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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula given, which is \(P_4O_6\).
2. Determine the ratio of atoms of phosphorus (P) to oxygen (O) in the compound. Here, there are 4 phosphorus atoms and 6 oxygen atoms.
3. Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the subscripts 4 and 6 to simplify the ratio. The GCD of 4 and 6 is 2.
4. 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.
5. Write the empirical formula using the simplified ratio, which is \(P_2O_3\).