Question

Question: 1 An analysis of an unknown compound found it contained 40 g potassium, 52 g chromium and 56 g of oxygen. a) What is the empirical formula for this compound? b) What type of compound is it, ionic, covalent or a combination of both? Explain your choice.​

Answer 1

1)  The empirical formula for this compound is; K₂Cr₂O₇

2) It is an Ionic compound because it has two potassium ions (K+) and a negatively charged dichromate ion (Cr2O7-).

How to find the Empirical Formula?

1) Elements of the unknown compound are;

Potassium = 40 g

Chromium = 52 g

Oxygen = 56 g

Let us find the number of moles of each element;

Number of moles of Potassium = 40/39 = 1.026 mol K

Number of moles of Chromium = 52/52 = 1 mol Cr

Number of moles of oxygen = 56/16 = 3.5 mol O

Multiply through the number of moles by 2 and round up to the nearest whole number to get the empirical formula at; K₂Cr₂O₇

2) The compound K₂Cr₂O₇ is called Potassium dichromate. It is classified as an ionic compound because it has two potassium ions (K+) and a negatively charged dichromate ion (Cr2O7-).

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