Answer:
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
