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Chem 115 - General Chemistry I

Empirical Formulas

Empirical Formula I

Zircon is a common substitute for diamond in inexpensive jewelry. The percent composition of zircon is 49.76% Zr, 15.32% Si, and the remainder oxygen. Determine the empirical formula of zircon.


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Empirical Formula II

Asbestos was used for years as an insulating material in buildings until exposure to asbestos was found to cause lung cancer. Asbestos is a mineral containing magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. One form of asbestos, chrysolite, has the composition 26.31% Mg, 20.27% Si, 1.45% H, and the rest oxygen. Determine the empirical formula of chrysolite.  


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Empirical Formula III

A candle flame produces easily seen specks of soot near the edges of the flame, especially when the candle is moved. A piece of glass held over a candle flame will become coated with soot, which is the result of the incomplete combustion of candle wax. Elemental analysis of the soot gave these results: 7.74% H and 92.26% C by mass. Determine the empirical formula of the compound. 


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  • Empirical Formula IV

    The combustion of 40.5 mg of a compound containing C, H, and O, and extracted from the bark of the sassafras tree, produces 110.0 mg of CO2 and 22.5 mg of H2O. The molar mass of the compound is 162 g/mol. Determine the empirical and molecular formulas.


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