use the RAMs of the
elements in the
compounds and it's
formula to work this out
EXAMPLE
QUESTION: find the
percentage of
magnesium in
magnesium oxide?
Step 1: find the formula of the compound
(MgO) and then find the relative formula
mass of the elements and then the
compound ( Mg = 24 O= 16, 24 + 16 = 40)
Step 2 : So 24g in 40g of MgO is Mg so you need to find
the fraction of this i.e. mass of element/mass of
compound
Step 3: To finish it all of you need to find the percentage
(24/40 x 100= 60%)
Empirical Formula
Step 1: change the percentages
given to masses of each element
in 100g of the compound
75 % Carbon and 25% Hydrogen =
75g Carbon and 25g Hydrogen
Step 2: Change the
masses to moles of
atoms by dividing the
masses by Ar values
This tells you the ratio
of atoms of the different
elements in the
compound
For carbon: 75/12 = 6.25 moles,
For Hydrogen: 25/1 = 25 moles
Step 3: Then the simplest
whole numbers ratio gives you
the empirical formula of the
compound