What is the empirical formula of a compound that contains 29% Na, 41% S, and 30% O by mass? A)Na₂S₂O₃ B)NaSO₂ C)NaSO D)NaSO3₄ E)Na₂S₂O₆

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula is determined by converting the percentage of each element to moles and finding the simplest whole number ratio. For Na: 29g/23g/mol = 1.26 mol, for S: 41g/32g/mol = 1.28 mol, for O: 30g/16g/mol = 1.88 mol. The simplest ratio is approximately 2:2:3, giving Na2S2O3.

What Is the Empirical Formula of a Compound That Contains