Chemistry · Mole concept, molar mass, percentage composition, empirical and molecular formulae

An oxide of metal M has by mass of oxygen. Metal M has atomic mass of 24. The em

An oxide of metal M has \( 40 \% \) by mass of oxygen. Metal M has atomic mass of 24. The empirical formula of the oxide:

  • A. \( M_{2} O \)
  • B. \( M_{2} O_{3} \)
  • C. \( M O \)
  • D. \( M_{3} O_{4} \)

Step-by-step solution

Given 40% oxygen by mass, the metal M (atomic mass 24) accounts for 60%. For an empirical formula M_x O_y, the mass ratio gives: (16y)/(24x+16y)=0.4 → 16y = 9.6x + 6.4y → 9.6y = 9.6x → x=y. Thus the empirical formula is MO.
Practise more in this unitView MCQsSign up for full question bank