Question

What is the empirical formula for a molecule containing 46.8% Si and 53.2% O?

A. Si2O3
B. Si2O
C. SiO3
D. SiO2

Answer 1

Assume there are 100 g of the substance.
Masses:
Si: 46.8 g
O: 53.2 g
Moles:
Si: 46.8 / 28 = 1.67
O: 53.2 / 16 = 3.32
Dividing by the smaller number:
Si: 1.6 7/ 1.67 = 1
O: 3.32 / 1.67 = 2
Thus, the formula:
SiO2