A compound is found to contain 30.7% Sulfur, 23,3% Magnesium and 46% Oxygen. What is the empirical formula of the compound?

  1. Change % of elements in to moles: 30.7 mol of S, 23.3 mol of Mg and 46 mol of O2.
  2. Find the mass of each of the elements: 30.7 mol / 32.06 g/mol = 0.96 g of S;  23.3 mol / 24.31 g/mol = 0.96 g of Mg;  46 mol / 16.00 g/mol = 2.88 g of O2;  
  3. Divide the masses by the smallest mass: 0.96/0.96 = 1; 0.96/0.96 = 1; 2.88/0.96 = 3
  4. The empirical formula of this compound is MgSO3
HK
Answered by Henry K. Chemistry tutor

17888 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What reaction occurs when benzene is mixed with equal amounts of sulphuric and nitric acid?


What is the electron arrangement for a Co atom?


Relationship between moles and Avogadro's constant


Why is the melting temperature of Magnesium higher than that of Sodium?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning