Answer to Question #154548 in General Chemistry for tina

Question

What would be the emperical formula for a compound that is made at STP from 3 mL H₂ and 1 mL of N₂.

Answer 1

Volume of H₂ at STP = 3ml

Volume of N₂ at STP = 1ml

number of moles of H₂ = $\dfrac{3}{22400}$ mol

number of moles of N₂ = $\dfrac{1}{22400}$

molar ratio of H₂ to N₂ = 3/22400 ÷ 1/224000 = 3:1

giving a formula;

(H₂)₃ (N₂)₁

rearranging and reducing to the lowest integer;

(N₁)(H₃)

The empirical formula of the compound is thus $NH_3$