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What is the empirical formula for a compound that is 31.9% potassium, 28.9% chlorine, and 39.2% oxygen?

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User Issy
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1 Answer

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The empirical formula for a compound is KClO3

Explanation
find the moles of each element
moles = % composition/molar mass

molar mass of of potassium =39g/mol ,chlorine = 35.5 g/mol, oxygen =16 g/mol

moles of potassium = 31.9 / 39 = 0.818 moles
moles of chlorine = 28.9/35.5 = 0.814 moles
moles of oxygen = 39.2/ 16 = 2.45 moles


find the mole ratio by dividing with the smallest mole = 0.814 moles

potassium = 0.818/0.814 =1
chlorine = 0.814/0.814 = 1
oxygen = 2.45 /0.814 =3


the empirical formula is therefore = KClO3
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User Ogge
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