A 45.2-mg sample of phosphorus reacts with selenium to form 131.6 mg of the selenide. Determine the empirical formula of phosphorus selenide.
Ch.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical Equations
Chapter 3, Problem 96b
From the given molar mass and empirical formula of several compounds, find the molecular formula of each compound. b. CCl, 284.77 g/mol
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Molar Mass
Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, typically expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule based on its chemical formula. Understanding molar mass is crucial for converting between grams and moles, which is essential for determining the molecular formula from the empirical formula and given mass.
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Empirical Formula
The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in a compound. It provides essential information about the composition of the compound but does not indicate the actual number of atoms in a molecule. To find the molecular formula, one must first determine the empirical formula and then use the molar mass to scale it up to the actual molecular composition.
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Empirical vs Molecular Formula
Molecular Formula
The molecular formula indicates the actual number of each type of atom in a molecule of a compound. It can be derived from the empirical formula by multiplying the subscripts by a whole number, which is determined by dividing the compound's molar mass by the molar mass of the empirical formula. This concept is vital for understanding the true structure and properties of the compound.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
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From the given empirical formula and molar mass, find the molecular formula of each compound. a. C6H7N, 186.24 g/mol
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