Determine the empirical formula of a compound containing 33.8 grams of mercury (Hg), 5.4 grams of sulfur (S), and 10.8 grams of oxygen (O).

HgSO4

Explanation:

Data obtained from the question include:

Hg = 33.8g

S = 5.4g

O = 10.8g

Divide by their molar mass

Hg = 33.8/201 = 0.168

S = 5.4/32 = 0.169

O = 10.8/16 = 0.675

Divide by the smallest

Hg = 0.168/0.168 = 1

S = 0.169/0.168 = 1

O = 0.675/0.168 = 4

The empirical formula is HgSO4