If 9g of alumnium reacts with 35.5g of chlorine, what is the empirical formula of the compound formed?

Empirical formulaThe empirical formula is a formula giving the proportions of the elements present in a compound but not the actual numbers or arrangement of atoms. To find this you require the mass used and the relative mass numbers of the elements, which are found on the periodic table. It is easiest to set out the calculation as a grid to minimise mistakes: Al Grams used: 9 Mass number: 27 Grams used/mass number: 9/27 = 1/3 Cl Grams used: 35.5 Mass number: 35.5 Grams used/mass number: 35.5/35.5 = 1 Ratio of Al to Cl atoms 1 : 3

The calculation shows that for every 1 atom of aluminium there are 3 atoms of chlorine, therefore the empirical formula is AlCl3.

Answered by Beatrice F. Chemistry tutor

5475 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a polar molecule and a non-polar molecule? Can non-polar molecules be formed by polar atoms?


What is Fractional Distillation and how does it work?


What is the difference between Ionic and Covalant bonding?


How does an increase in temperature affect the rate of a chemical reaction?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences