Determine an Empirical Formula Flashcards

All 3 cards in this deck

When calculating an empirical formula, what do you divide each element's mass by?

Its relative atomic mass, to give the number of moles.

In the magnesium oxide empirical formula experiment, how do you show the magnesium has reacted completely?

Reheat and reweigh until the mass remains constant (heat to constant mass).

In the magnesium oxide experiment, why is the crucible lid lifted briefly during heating?

To let oxygen in while stopping magnesium oxide smoke escaping, which would make the product mass too low.