Question

What is the empirical formula of a compound that contains $0.05$ mole of magnesium, $0.05$ mole of sulfur, and $0.20$ mole of oxygen?

• A. $MgSO$
• B. $MgS{O}_2$
• C. $MgS{O}_3$
• D. $MgS{O}_4$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $MgS{O}_4$

Ratio of the number of moles of Magnesium, Sulphur and Oxygen is $0.05$ $:$ $0.05$ $:$ $0.20$ which is equal to $1$ $:$ $1$ $:$ $4$

That is, for every atom of Magnesium there is one atom of Sulphur and four atoms of Oxygen.

Thus the emperical formula is ${MgSO}_4$

Hence, the correct option is $\text{D}$