Question

a compound of nitrogen and oxygen is 30.46% by mass N and 69.54% by mass O. The molar mass if the compound was determined to be 92g/mol. what is the empirical formula of the compound? What is the molecular formula of the compound?

Answer 1

Percentage O: 69.54
Percentage N: 30.46
Dividing each percentage by the components molecular weight:
Oxygen: 69.54 / 16 = 4.35
Nitrogen: 30.46 / 14 = 2.18

Ratio of nitrogen to oxygen = 1 : 2
Empircal formula: NO₂
Mass of empirical formula = 46 
Repeat units = 92 / 46 = 2

Molecular formula = N₂O₄