Empirical & Molecular Formula

Question 1

steps to calculate empirical formula

Answer 1

1. assume a starting mass of 100 g (% wont need to be changed) & express starting masses in grams
2. convert grams of each element to mol using molar mass (INDIVIDUAL)
3. divide each mole by the SMALLEST found mole - results = subscript for each
4. if not a whole number, make whole by multiplying all

Question 2

how to make a a number whole in the empirical formula

Answer 2

1. change number to fraction
2. multiple times the denominator (ALL)

Question 3

steps to calculate molecular formula (if molar mass is known)

Answer 3

1. N = molar mass given / MM of empirical formula
2. (xxx)ₙ < —- simplify out