Analysis of a compound indicates the percent composition 42.07% Na, 18.89% P, and 39.04% O. Determine its empirical formula.

Emily-Jane Bray

Emily-Jane Bray

Answered question

2021-10-04

Analysis of a compound indicates the percent composition 42.07% Na, 18.89% P, and 39.04% O. Determine its empirical formula.

Answer & Explanation

Liyana Mansell

Liyana Mansell

Skilled2021-10-05Added 97 answers

Mass ratio Na :P : O
= 42.07 : 18.89 : 37.04
Now, to find molar ratio, we divide mass by molar mass for each element
Molar ratio Na : P : O = 42.07/23 : 18.89/31 : 39.04/16 = 1.83 : 0.6 : 2.44
Dividing each term by least ratio, i.e. 0.6
= 3 : 1 : 4
So, empirical formula is Na3PO4

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