Question

An unknown compound is decomposed into 5.87 g of potassium, 1.55 g of phosphorus, and 3.2 g oxygen. Determine its empirical formula. What subscript is given to potassium in the empirical formula? *

Answer 1

Whenever you do these questions you first need to convert all of those mass in grams into amount in moles.

Answer 2

Then, you divide all of those mole values by the smallest mole value. That will be the ratio of potassium, phosphorus and oxygen when rounded to the nearest integer.

Answer 3

Wariety, dont confuse her saying least mole value ask her to divide the mass by mass of one mole of the substance. This would be easier.