Chapter 3, Problem 159AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The empirical formula and the molecular formula of peroxyacylnitrate (PAN)are to be calculated with given percent by mass of element present and molar mass.

Concept introduction:

Empirical formula is the simplest formula of any compound when written in the least possible whole number without altering the relative number of atoms.

The molecular mass of any compound is the sum of the atomic masses of every element that is present in the molecule of the compound. It is denoted by M. The unit of molecular mass isamu.

The percent composition of an element by its mass in a compound can be calculated as

$\text{Percent by mass of an element}=\frac{n\times \text{ mass of an element}}{\text{molecular mass of the compound}}\times 100\%$

Here, n represents the number of atoms in the given molecule or compound.

The number of moles is defined as the ratio of mass to the molar mass:

$n=\frac{m}{M}$

Here, $n$ is the number of moles, $m$ is the mass, and $M$ is the molar mass.

The mass of compound can be calculated as $m=n\times M$.

Here, $n$ is the number of moles, $m$ is the mass, and $M$ is the molar mass.

The molecular formula can be calculated as

$\text{Molecular formula}=n\times \text{Empirical formula}$