Answer:
CaCl₂
Step-by-step explanation:
The empirical formula is the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.
The ratio of atoms is the same as the ratio of moles.
So, our job is to calculate the molar ratio of Ca to Cl.
Data:
Mass of Ca = 3.611 g
Mass of Cl = 6.389 g
Calculations
Step 1. Calculate the moles of each element
Moles of Ca = 3.611 g Ca × (1 mol Ca/(40.08 g Ca)= 0.090 10 mol Ca
Moles of Cl = 6.389 g Cl
Step 2. Calculate the molar ratio of the elements
Divide each number by the smallest number of moles
Ca:Cl = 0.090 10:0.1802 = 1:2.000
Step 3. Round the molar ratios to the nearest integer
Ca:Cl = 1:2.000 ≈ 1:2
Step 4: Write the empirical formula
EF = CaCl₂
