An inorganic salt contains 15.89% calcium, 2.4% hydrogen, 24.6% phosphorus and
57.11% oxygen. Its molecular mass is 252.2. Deduce its molecular formula.
Answers
Answer:
molecular formula is = Ca H₃ P₂ O₈
Explanation:
ELEMENT % composition at.wt relative no. of atoms ratio
CALCIUM 15.89 40 15.89/40 = 0.39 0.39/0.39=1
HYDROGEN 2.4 2 2.4/2 = 1.2 1.2/0.39 = 3
PHOSPHORUS 24.6 31 24.6/31 = 0.79 0.79/0.39=2
OXYGEN 57.11 16 57.11/16 = 3.5 3.5/0.39=8
based on the above table, we get the empirical formula, Ca H₃ P₂ O₈
molecular formula = n * empirical formula
n = given mass/calculated mass of the compound
n = 252.2/236 = 1 (approx)
so, molecular formula = n * empirical formula
which is 1 * Ca H₃ P₂ O₈ = Ca H₃ P₂ O₈