How do you calculate an empirical formula

An empirical formula is the simplest ratio of atoms of each element in a compound. You will be given either the mass of each element in the compound or the % mass. 1. Divide each mass (or % mass) by the atomic mass of the element (found in the periodic table). 2. Look at the numbers produced and identify the smallest number. 3. Divide each result from step 1 by the smallest number. 4. The resulting numbers is the ratio of each element. 5. Sometimes the numbers will need to be multiplied to produce whole numbers. 6. These whole numbers will be an empirical formula.

TS
Answered by Tanisha S. Chemistry tutor

9217 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What does a mixture consist of?


Please explain why graphite is able to conduct electricity


Describe the three main types of bonding?


What are the relative charges of the proton, neutron and electron?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning