Worksheet 4.

2: Solutions

Empirical and molecular formula calculations

No. Answer
1
% Ti = = = 59.95%

%O= = = 40.05%
(or simply calculate as 100 59.95 = 40.05)

2
a % Fe = = = 69.94%

%O= = = 30.06%
(or simply calculate as 100 69.94 = 30.06)

b % Na = = = 29.08%

%S= = = 40.56%
% O = 100 (29.08 + 40.56) = 30.36%

c % Ba = = = 41.43%

%H= = = 0.61%

%S= = = 19.34%
% O = 100 (41.43 + 0.61 + 19.34) = 38.62%

3
S:O = : = 1.25 : 3.75 = 1 : 3 SO3

Page 1

Pearson Education Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) 2008.
This page from the Chemistry: For use with the IB Diploma Programme SL Teachers Resource may be reproduced for classroom use.
Worksheet 4.2: Solutions

Empirical and molecular formula calculations

4 Let the unknown metal be X. As it is in group 1 the empirical formula must be XCl. There is
47.6% Cl, so the percentage composition of X must be 52.4%.

: = 1:1 = M(X) =
X = 39.02 and the formula is KCl.

5 a CH4
b NH2
c H2SO4
d CH2O

6 C2H4 (ethene), C3H6 (propene), C4H8 (butene)

7
Mr(compound) = 88, Mr(C2H4O) = 44, so the ratio is =2
The molecular formula is 2 (C2H4O) = C4H8O2.

8
M(hydrocarbon) = = = 82 g mol1
Mr(C3H5) = 41 = (82 2), so the molecular formula is 2 (C3H5) = C6H10

9 K : Mn : O

: :
0.0157 : 0.0157 : 0.0629
1 : 1 : 4
hence the empirical formula is KMnO4

10 C : H : O

: :
3.33 : 6.60 : 3.33
1 : 2 : 1
hence the empirical formula is CH2O

Page 2

Pearson Education Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) 2008.
This page from the Chemistry: For use with the IB Diploma Programme SL Teachers Resource may be reproduced for classroom use.
Worksheet 4.2: Solutions

Empirical and molecular formula calculations

Mr(CH2O) = 30 = (60 2), so the molecular formula is 2 (CH2O) = C2H4O2

Page 3

Pearson Education Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) 2008.
This page from the Chemistry: For use with the IB Diploma Programme SL Teachers Resource may be reproduced for classroom use.