Question

Calculate the empirical formula of a mineral which has the following % composition CuO = 44.82% , SiO2= 34.83 and water = 20.35%

Answer 1

Molar masses:

 

CuO = 79.5

 

SiO2 = 60

 

H2O = 18

 

Moles

 

CuO = 44.82/79.5 = 0.56377

 

SiO2 =  34.83/60 = 0.5805

 

H2O = 20.35/18 = 1.130556

 

Mole ratios

 

CuO = 0.56377/0.56377 = 1

 

SiO2 = 0.5805/0.56377 = 1

 

H2O = 1.130556/0.56377 = 2

 

The empirical formula is:

 

$CuO.Si O_{2}.2 H_{2}O$

Answer 2

Answer:

CuO. SiO2. 2H2O

Explanation:

For explanation, please refer to the given attachment.