The mineral hausmannite is a compound of manganese-55 and oxygen-16. If 72% of the mass of hausmannite is due to manganese, what is the empirical formula of Hausmannite? socratic. org

The empirical formula of the Hausmannite containing 72% of manganese is Mn₃O₄

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Manganese (Mn) = 72%

Oxygen (O) = 100 – 72 = 28%

Divide by their molar mass

Mn = 72 / 55 = 1.309

O = 28 / 16 = 1.75

Divide by the smallest

Mn = 1.309 / 1.309 = 1

O = 1.75 / 1.309 = 1.34

Multiply by 3 to express in whole number

Mn = 1 × 3 = 3

O = 1.34 × 3 = 4

Therefore, the empirical formula of the compound is Mn₃O₄

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Empirical formula -  Mn³⁺₃O₄

Explanation:

Hausmannite belongs to the category of oxide minerals. Metamorphosis of manganiferous rocks results in the formation of Hausmannite. It contains both di-valent and tri-valent manganese. It is a tetragonal crystal belonging to the spinel group. It is a metallic mineral with color from brown to black. 72% mass of Hausmannite is manganese and the remaining 28% is oxygen.

It's chemical formula is  Mn²⁺Mn³⁺₂O₄