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ago in Inorganic Chemistry by (390 points)
Determine the empirical formula of a compound containing 36.5% sodium, 38.1% chlorine, and 25.4% oxygen by mass.

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ago by (630 points)
To determine the empirical formula of the compound, we need to convert the mass percentages to moles and then find the simplest whole number ratio of the elements.1. Convert mass percentages to grams  assuming 100 g of the compound :- Sodium  Na : 36.5 g- Chlorine  Cl : 38.1 g- Oxygen  O : 25.4 g2. Convert grams to moles using the molar mass of each element:- Na: 36.5 g / 22.99 g/mol = 1.587 mol- Cl: 38.1 g / 35.45 g/mol = 1.075 mol- O: 25.4 g / 16.00 g/mol = 1.588 mol3. Divide each mole value by the smallest mole value to find the mole ratio:- Na: 1.587 mol / 1.075 mol = 1.476- Cl: 1.075 mol / 1.075 mol = 1- O: 1.588 mol / 1.075 mol = 1.4774. Round the mole ratios to the nearest whole number:- Na: 1.476  1- Cl: 1- O: 1.477  1The empirical formula of the compound is NaClO.
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