A compound is 87.1% ag & 12.9% s. find the empirical formula

Empirical formula of the compound is the simplest ratio of components making up the compound.

In 100 g there’s 87.1 g of Ag and 12.9 g of S.

Let’s calculate for 100 g of the compound

Ag S

Mass 87.1 g 12.9 g

Moles. 87.1 / 107.8 g/mol 12.9/32 g/mol

=0.8 mol = 0.4mol

Divide by the least number of moles

0.8/0.4 = 2 0.4/0.4=1

Ratio of Ag to S is 2:1

Therefore empirical formula is Ag2S