There are a number of steps involved in determining the empirical formula of a compound. You will need to demonstrate that you can complete all of these steps as you determine the empirical formula of a compound composed of chlorine and oxygen that is 81.59 % Cl by mass. Complete your calculations based on 100 g of this compound.
1. Determine the mass in grams of oxygen present in the sample.
2. Determine the number of moles of chlorine in the sample.
3. Determine the number of moles of oxygen in the sample.
4. The moles of represents the smaller mole value.
5. Write the empirical formula of the compound. You will not be able to show subscript values correctly. For example, H20 would be recorded for water.