Join IDNLearn.com and start getting the answers you've been searching for. Our experts provide timely and accurate responses to help you navigate any topic or issue with confidence.

What is the empirical formula for a compound if a sample contains [tex]1.0 \, \text{g}[/tex] of [tex]S[/tex] and [tex]1.5 \, \text{g}[/tex] of [tex]O[/tex]?

A. [tex]\text{SO}[/tex]
B. [tex]\text{SO}_3[/tex]
C. [tex]\text{S}_2\text{O}_2[/tex]
D. [tex]\text{S}_2\text{O}_3[/tex]


Sagot :

To find the empirical formula of a compound given that you have 1.0 grams of sulfur (S) and 1.5 grams of oxygen (O), follow these steps:

1. Determine the molar masses of S and O:
- The molar mass of sulfur (S) is approximately 32.06 grams per mole (g/mol).
- The molar mass of oxygen (O) is approximately 16.00 grams per mole (g/mol).

2. Calculate the number of moles of each element:
- Moles of sulfur: [tex]\(\frac{1.0 \text{ grams}}{32.06 \text{ g/mol}} = 0.0312 \text{ moles}\)[/tex]
- Moles of oxygen: [tex]\(\frac{1.5 \text{ grams}}{16.00 \text{ g/mol}} = 0.09375 \text{ moles}\)[/tex]

3. Determine the simplest mole ratio of the elements:
- The smallest number of moles between sulfur and oxygen here is 0.0312.
- Calculate the ratio by dividing each element's moles by the smallest number of moles:
[tex]\[ \text{Ratio of S} = \frac{0.0312}{0.0312} = 1 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Ratio of O} = \frac{0.09375}{0.0312} = 3 \][/tex]

4. Write the empirical formula based on the mole ratio:
- Sulfur has a ratio of 1
- Oxygen has a ratio of 3

Thus, the empirical formula of the compound is [tex]\( \text{SO}_3 \)[/tex].

So, the correct answer is [tex]\( \text{SO}_3 \)[/tex].
We are delighted to have you as part of our community. Keep asking, answering, and sharing your insights. Together, we can create a valuable knowledge resource. For trustworthy answers, visit IDNLearn.com. Thank you for your visit, and see you next time for more reliable solutions.