The following data were collected when analyzing a compound used in dentistry as a cement to repair teeth:

50.82% Zn;16.04% P;33.14% O

What is the empirical formula of the compound?

• A. Zn₃PO₂
• B. Zn₁₆P₅O₁₀
• C. Zn₆P₂O₄
• D. Zn₃P₂O₈
• E. Zn₅P₁₆O₃₃

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Assume you have 100 grams of the compound. This means you have 50.82 grams of Zn, 16.04 grams of P, and 33.14 grams of O.
2. Step 2: Convert the mass of each element to moles by dividing by their respective molar masses. Use the molar masses: Zn = 65.38 g/mol, P = 30.97 g/mol, O = 16.00 g/mol.
3. Step 3: Calculate the moles of each element: Zn: \( \frac{50.82}{65.38} \), P: \( \frac{16.04}{30.97} \), O: \( \frac{33.14}{16.00} \).
4. Step 4: Determine the mole ratio by dividing each element's mole value by the smallest number of moles calculated in the previous step.
5. Step 5: Round the ratios to the nearest whole number to find the empirical formula. If necessary, multiply all ratios by the same factor to get whole numbers.