If 60g of M combines with 24g of oxygen; what would the empirical formula of the oxide be?

A. MO
B. MO2
C. MO3
D. MO4

Correct Answer:

Option C = MO3

Explanation

Data obtained from the question
M = 60 g
O = 24 g
Empirical formula =?
How to determine the empirical formula
Divide by their molar mass
M = 60÷120 = 0.5
O = 24 ÷16 = 1.5
Divide by the smallest
M = 0.5÷0.5 = 1
O = 1.5 ÷0.5 = 3
Thus, the empirical formula of the oxide is MO₃