A compound is analyzed and determined to be 30.4% nitrogen and 69.6% oxygen. What is the empirical formula of the compound?

NO2

Explanation:

The empirical formula represents the simplest whole number ratio of the elements in a compound. According to the question;

30.4% represents 30.4g of nitrogen

69.6% represents 69.6g of oxygen

First, we convert each mass value to mole by dividing by their respective molar masses as follows:

N = 30.4/14 = 2.17mol

O = 69.6/16 = 4.35mol

Next, we divide each mole value by the smallest (2.17)

N = 2.17/2.17 = 1

O = 4.35/2.17 = 2.0046

Approximately, the ratio of N to O is 1:2, hence, the empirical formula is NO2