3.2 Determination of formulae Flashcards
1
Q
what is the molecular formula?
A
number of atoms of each element in a molecule
2
Q
what is the empirical formula?
A
simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound
3
Q
what is xH2O?
A
water of crystallisation
4
Q
what is an anhydrous salt?
A
a salt without water
5
Q
what assumptions are made when finding the formula of a hydrated salt?
A
that all the water has been lost
no further decomposition
6
Q
all the water has been lost
A
it is difficult to tell if all the water has been lost
could heat until constant mass to ensure all water has evaporated
7
Q
no further decomposition
A
when heating a salt, it could mean that the salt is further decomposed, something which is difficult to observe
