Respuesta :
Answer:
d. P2O5.
Explanation:
We find the ratio of the atoms by dividing the percentages by the relative atomic masses:
P : 43.6 / 30.974 = 1.4076
O: 56.4 / 15.999 = 3.5252
1.4076 : 3.5252
= 1 : 2.5
= 2:5.
So the answer is P2O5.
The empirical formula for a compound that is 43.6% phosphorus and 56.4% oxygen is P2O5.
HOW TO CALCULATE EMPIRICAL FORMULA:
The empirical formula of a compound can be calculated using the following process:
- P = 43.6% = 43.6g
- O = 56.4% = 56.4g
First, we divide by the molar mass of each element as follows:
- P = 43.6g ÷ 31g/mol = 1.41mol
- O = 56.4g ÷ 16g/mol = 3.53mol
Next, we divide each mole value by the smallest
- P = 1.41mol ÷ 1.41 = 1
- O = 3.53mol ÷ 1.41 = 2.5
We multiply each ratio by 2 to get an approximate value of 2:5 for P and O respectively.
Therefore, the empirical formula for a compound that is 43.6% phosphorus and 56.4% oxygen is P2O5.
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