BR Gen Chem Example 1.16

[Ihavesomanyquestions]

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What is the empirical formula of an oxide of sulfur that is 60% oxygen by weight?
A. SO
B. SO2
C. S2O5
D. SO3

S40/32 O60/16 comes out to S1.25O3.75. Why are these values not multiplied by n to reach whole number values?

 

[JMMTB]

These numbers are needed to find ratios. Take the smallest and divide the rest by it. If you get halves or thirds multiple respectively.

1.25/1.25=1
3.75/1.25=3

Now we know that sulfur and oxygen are in a 3:1 molar ratio versus a 2:3 mass ratio (40%:60%).