Question

What is the empirical formula for a compound if a 2.50g sample contains 0.900g of calcium and 1.60g
of chlorine? (3pts]

Answer 1

Answer:

CaCl₂

Explanation:

First we convert the given masses of elements into moles, using their respective molar masses:

• 0.900 g Ca ÷ 40 g/mol = 0.0225 mol Ca

• 1.60 g Cl ÷ 35.45 g/mol = 0.045 mol Cl

Now we divide those numbers of moles by the lowest value among them:

• 0.0225 mol Ca / 0.0225 mol = 1

• 0.045 mol Cl / 0.0225 mol = 2

Meaning the empirical formula for the compound is CaCl₂.