Empirical formula

Question 1

What are the steps in the empirical formula?

Answer 1

1. LIST all elements in compound
2. Underneath write their experimental masses or percentages
3. Divide each mass or percentage by the Ar of that element
4. Turn into a ratio by finding the HCFs or LCMs
5. Ratio in simplest form = empirical formula of compound

Question 2

What are experimental masses?

Answer 2

They are usually given in the question i.e. Find the empirical formula when 44.8g of iron react with 19.2g of oxygen

44.8 and 19.2 are the experimental masses