Ask Question
13 May, 03:37

The mineral magnetite is an oxide of iron that is 72.36% iron by mass. what is its empirical formula?

+3
Answers (1)
  1. 13 May, 03:43
    0
    When the substance is said to be an oxide of iron, that means the compound contains elements of Fe and O. Suppose you have 100 g of the sample.

    Mass of Fe = 72.36 g

    Mass of O = 100 - 72.36 = 27.64 g

    The molar mass of Fe is 55.8 g/mol while the molar mass of O is 16 g/mol.

    Moles of Fe = 72.36/55.8 = 1.29677

    Moles of O = 27.64/16 = 1.7275

    Now, divide both amounts by the lower number, which is 1.29677.

    Fe: 1.29677/1.29677 = 1

    O = 1.7275/1.29677 = 1.333

    The answer must be whole numbers. So, let's try multiplying the least number to O that would make it a whole number. That would be 3.

    Fe: 1*3 = 3

    O: 1.333*3 = 4

    Thus, the empirical formula is Fe₃O₄.
Know the Answer?
Not Sure About the Answer?
Find an answer to your question 👍 “The mineral magnetite is an oxide of iron that is 72.36% iron by mass. what is its empirical formula? ...” in 📗 Chemistry if the answers seem to be not correct or there’s no answer. Try a smart search to find answers to similar questions.
Search for Other Answers