Question

A compound of phosphorus and chlorine is composed of 10.33g of p for ever 35.5g of chlorine .The simplest formula of the compound is

Answer 1

Given that  

P : 10.33 g

Cl : 35.5 g

Number of moles = amount in g / molar mass

P = 10.33 g/ 30.97 g/ mole

= 0.334 mole P

Cl = 35.5 g/ 35.5 g/ mole = 1 mole Cl

Now calculate the molar ratio by dividing smallest mole  

P = 0.334/0.334 = 1

Cl = 1.00/0.334= 3

The simplest formula of the compound is PCl3