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10 August, 01:41

A compound that is usually used as a fertilizer can also be used as a powerful explosive. the compound has the composition 35.00% nitrogen, 59.96% oxygen and the remainder being hydrogen. what is its empirical formula? given it is ionic, suggest a name for the compound.

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  1. 10 August, 05:07
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    Empirical Formula = NH₄NO₃ (Ammonium Nitrate)

    Solution:

    Step 1: Calculate Moles of each Element;

    Moles of N = %N : At. Mass of N

    Moles of N = 35.0 : 14

    Moles of N = 2.5 mol

    Moles of O = %O : At. Mass of O

    Moles of O = 59.96 : 16

    Moles of O = 3.7475 mol

    Moles of H = [100% - (%N + %O) ] : At. Mass of H

    Moles of H = [100% - (35.0 + 59.96) ] : 1.008

    Moles of H = [100% - 94.96] : 1.008

    Moles of H = 5.04 : 1.008

    Moles of H = 5 mol

    Step 2: Find out mole ratio and simplify it;

    N H O

    2.5 5 3.7475

    2.5/2.5 5/2.5 3.7475/2.5

    1 2 1.5

    Multiply Mole Ratio by 2,

    2 4 3

    Result:

    Empirical Formula = N₂H₄O₃

    Or,

    Empirical Formula = NH₄NO₃

    This empirical formula is also a Molecular Formula for Ammonium Nitrate a well known Fertilizer and often misused in the formation of Explosives.
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