Chapter 3, Problem 57E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A compound having a mass of $\text{0}\text{.157}\text{g}$ containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen on combustion produces $0.213\text{g}$

  ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ and $0.0310\text{g}$

  ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$ . In another experiment, $\text{0}\text{.103}\text{g}$ of the compound produces $0.0230\text{g}$${\text{NH}}_3$ . The empirical formula of the compound with the help of these masses is to be identified.

Concept introduction: For any compound, its empirical formula represents the ratio of atoms present in it. The most popular technique for evaluating the chemical formula of a compound first involves the calculation of the masses of its component elements.

The moles of each element concerning each other are calculated. These moles are changed into a ratio of the whole number, which is used for the derivation of the empirical formula of a compound.