19.2 CHAPTER 19. QUANTITATIVE ASPECTS OF CHEMICAL CHANGE
Step 2:Find the moles of oxygen
n=Mm
Lead
n=^207 g
207 , 2 g·mol−^1
= 1mol
Oxygen
n=^32 g
16 , 0 g·mol−^1
= 2mol
Step 3:Find the mole ratio
The mole ratio of Pb:O in the product is1 : 2, which means that for
every atom of lead, there will be two atoms of oxygen. The formula of
the compound is PbO 2.
Example 10: Empirical and molecular formula
QUESTION
Vinegar, which is used in our homes, is a dilute form of acetic acid. A sample
of acetic acid has the following percentage composition: 39 ,9%carbon, 6 ,7%
hydrogen and 53 ,4%oxygen.
1. Determine the empirical formula of acetic acid.
2. Determine the molecular formula of acetic acid if the molar mass
of acetic acid is 60 , 06 g·mol−^1.
SOLUTION
Step 1:Find the mass
In 100 g of acetic acid, there is 39 , 9 g C, 6 , 7 g H and 53 , 4 g O
Step 2:Find the moles
346 Chemistry: Chemical change