Multiple Choice
A compound contains 40.0% carbon, 6.7% hydrogen, and 53.3% oxygen by mass. What is the empirical formula ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen in this compound?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Empirical Formula
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What is the empirical formula for the compound P_4O_6?
A
PO_2
B
P_2O_3
C
P_2O_6
D
P_4O_6
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular formula given, which is \(P_4O_6\).
Determine the ratio of atoms of phosphorus (P) to oxygen (O) in the compound. Here, there are 4 phosphorus atoms and 6 oxygen atoms.
Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the subscripts 4 and 6 to simplify the ratio. The GCD of 4 and 6 is 2.
Divide both subscripts by the GCD to get the simplest whole number ratio: \(\frac{4}{2} = 2\) for phosphorus and \(\frac{6}{2} = 3\) for oxygen.
Write the empirical formula using the simplified ratio, which is \(P_2O_3\).
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