Answer:
H₂SO₄
Explanation:
We have a compound formed by 0.475 g H, 7.557 g S, 15.107 g O. In order to determine the empirical formula, we have to follow a series of steps.
Step 1: Calculate the total mass of the compound
Total mass = mass H + mass S + mass O = 0.475 g + 7.557 g + 15.107 g
Total mass = 23.139 g
Step 2: Determine the percent composition.
H: (0.475g/23.139g) × 100% = 2.05%
S: (7.557g/23.139g) × 100% = 32.66%
O: (15.107g/23.139g) × 100% = 65.29%
Step 3: Divide each percentage by the atomic mass of the element
H: 2.05/1.01 = 2.03
S: 32.66/32.07 = 1.018
O: 65.29/16.00 = 4.081
Step 4: Divide all the numbers by the smallest one
H: 2.03/1.018 ≈ 2
S: 1.018/1.018 = 1
O: 4.081/1.018 ≈ 4
The empirical formula of the compound is H₂SO₄.
