A certain oxide of vanadium is 32.02% oxygen by mass. Determine the empirical formula of this compound.

Answer 1

100%-32.02%O=67.98%V

Divide by the molar mass:

V: 67.98/50.942=1.3345mol

O:32.02/16.00=2.0013mol

Divide by the smaller mol value

V:1.3345/1.3345=1

O:2.0013/1.3345=1.4997=1.5

multiply both values by 2 to make them both whole numbers and get rid of the .5

V:1*2=2

O:1.5*2=3

V₂O₃