A compound has an empirical formula of PO2 and a molar mass of 126 g/mol. What is the molecular formula of the molecule?

P₂O₄

Explanation:

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

Empirical formula = PO₂

Molar mass of compound = 126 g/mol

Molecular formula =.?

The molecular formula of the compound can be obtained as illustrated below:

Molecular formula = [Empirical]ₙ

= molar mass

[PO₂] × n = 126

[31 + (16× 2)] × n = 126

[31 + 32] × n = 126

63 × n = 126

Divide both side by 63

n = 126 / 63

n = 2

Molecular formula = [PO₂]ₙ

Molecular formula = [PO₂]₂

Molecular formula = P₂O₄