Question

If 5 grams of nitrogen is oxidized in air, then what is the empirical formula of compound, if it's mass is 19.3 grams?

Answer 1

General equation for this process is next:

N₂ + xO₂ = 2NO_x

let's find x

5 19.3
N₂ + xO₂ = 2NO_x
28 2(14+16x)

2(14 + 16x)*5 = 28* 19.3
2(14 + 16x)*5 = 540.4
14 + 16x = 54.04
16x = 40
x = 2.5

so empiric formula is NO_2.5, or N₂O₅