An 18.5 g sample of tin (molar mass = 118.7) combines with

10.0 g sulfur (molar mass = 32.07) to form a compound. What

is the empirical formula of this compound?

(A) SnS

(B) Sns2

(C) Sn2s

(D) Sn2s3

Option (B) SnS2

Explanation:

Data obtained from the question include:

Mass of Sn = 18.5 g

Mass of S = 10 g

The empirical formula of the compound can be obtained by doing the following:

Step 1:

Divide each element by their molar mass

Sn = 18.5 / 118.7 = 0.156

S = 10 / 32.07 = 0.312

Step 2:

Divide each by the smallest number

Sn = 0.156/0.156 = 1

S = 0.312/0.156 = 2

The empirical formula is SnS2