# Solve the following problem: Assuming the atomic weight of a metal M to be 56, find the empirical formula of its oxide containing 70.0% of M. - Chemistry

Sum

Solve the following problem:

Assuming the atomic weight of a metal M to be 56, find the empirical formula of its oxide containing 70.0% of M.

#### Solution

Given: Atomic mass of M = 56, Percentage of M = 70.0%

To find: The empirical formula of the compound

Calculation: %M = 70.0%

Hence, %O = 30.0%, Atomic mass of O = 16 u

Moles of M = "% of M"/"Atomic mass of M"=70.0/56 = 1.25 mol

Moles of O = "% of O"/"Atomic mass of O"=30.0/16 = 1.875 mol

Hence the ratio of number of moles of M : O is

1.25/1.25 = 1 and 1.875/1.25 = 1.5

Convert the ratio into a whole number by multiplying by the suitable coefficient, i.e., 2.
Therefore, the ratio of the number of moles of M : O is 2 : 3.
Hence, the empirical formula is M2O3.

Empirical formula of the compound = M2O3

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#### APPEARS IN

Balbharati Chemistry 11th Standard Maharashtra State Board
Chapter 2 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
Exercises | Q 4. (I) | Page 24