Explanation:
To obtain the empirical and molecular formula of this compound from the percent composition of the elements, we follow the steps below;
Step 1: Divide the percentage composition by the atomic mass
Sulphur = 31.42 / 32 = 0.9819
Oxygen = 31.35 / 16 = 1.9594
Flourine = 37.23 / 19 = 1.9595
Step 2: Divide by the lowest number
Sulphur = 0.9819 / 0.9819 = 1
Oxygen = 1.9594 / 0.9819 ≈ 2
Flourine = 1.9595 / 0.9819 ≈ 2
This means the ratio of the elements is 1 : 2: 2
The empirical formular (simplest formular of a compound) of the compound is;
SO₂F₂
To obtain the molecular formular (Actual formular of a compound);
(SO₂F₂)n = 102.1
Inserting the atomic masses and solving for n;
(102)n = 102.1
n ≈ 1
The molecular formular is; (SO₂F₂)₁ = SO₂F₂