FIAT LUX ACADEME

Cavite
GENERAL CHEMISTRY 2
Suhay No. 1: Empirical and Molecular Formula
September 21-24, 2020

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this module, you are able to:
● calculate the empirical formula from the percent composition of a compound
● calculate molecular formula with given molar mass

E S S E N T I A L  Q U E S T I O N S
1. How do you find empirical formula from molar mass?
2. How do you find the empirical and molecular formula of a compound?

A C T I V I T Y  L O G
Essential Question/s
Input
Starter
Focused Discussion
Essential Understanding
Learning Log
Assessment
Self-Evaluation
Point of Clarification

INPUT

Starter

The number 6.022X1023 is called Avogadro’s number in honor of Italian scientist

Amadeo Avogadro (1776-1856), who first suggest that might be a possible to count atoms.
This is very large number that shows how small atoms are. Avogadro established a law
stating that equal volume of a gases has the same number of molecules at the same
temperature and pressure.

The mole is equivalent to Avogadro’s number, 6.022X10 23. The number that one mole
represents is expressed as follows:

1 mol = 6.0221367X1023 or 6.022X1023 particles

One mole of a certain element implies two things:

1. The atomic mass is expressed in grams is different for each element. This mass is
known as molar mass of the element. A molar mass refers to sum of the masses of
an atom in an element or in the formula/molecular mass of a compound. It is
expressed in gram per mole (g/mol) or in amu (atomic mass unit).

Molar mass of the element = atomic mass expressed in g/mol of the element

2. Avogadro’s number of atoms is the same for all elements.

1 mol C = 12.01 g = 6.022X1023 atoms
1 mol O = 16.00g = 6.022X1023 atoms
1 mol Hg = 200.6 g = 6.022X1023 atoms

©ymije Page 1 of 10
Do you know that there is a Mole Day celebrated every October 23 from 6:02 a.m. to
6:02 p.m.? This celebration aims to foster interest in chemistry, especially in recognizing the
significance of Avogadro’s number. The concept of Mole Day originated in an article “The
Science Teacher” in early 1980s.

The following diagram illustrate the interconversion of mass, mole and representative
particle of an element.

Pre-Exercise 1
Complete the data needed in table 1 which shows the calculation of the formula mass of an
ionic compound, and a hydrate.

Number of Atoms in Total Mass of Atoms in

Atomic
Compound/ Atom Formula Unit or Formula Unit or
Mass
Molecule Molecule
Na2SO4        
Na 2 23 46
S 1 32 32
O 4 16 64
      142 g/mol
MgCl2        
Mg 1 24 24
Cl 2 35 70
      94 g/mol

CoCl2.6H2O        
________ ____ _________ ____________
________ ____ _________ ____________
________ ____ _________ ____________
________ ____ _________ ____________
  ____________
         
Al2O3        
________ ____ _________ ____________
________ ____ _________ ____________
  ____________
         
Table 1. Molar Mass

©ymije Page 2 of 10
Focused Discussion

In the previous section, we discussed the relationship between the mass of a

substance and the number of atoms or molecules it contains (moles). Given the chemical
formula of the substance, we were able to determine the amount of the substance (moles)
from its mass, and vice versa.

But what if the chemical formula of a substance is unknown?

In this section, we will explore how to apply these very same principles in order to
derive the chemical formulas of unknown substances from experimental mass
measurements.

Percent Composition

Percent composition plays an important role in everyday life. It is more than just the
amount of chlorine in your swimming pool because it concerns everything from the money in
your pocket to your health and how you live.

It allows us to determine
the percentage of each element that makes
up a specific compound particularly in the
nutrition label found on the container of
every bit of processed food sold by the
local grocery store.

Total Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium,

Total Carbohydrate, and Protein. These
categories are broken down into further
subcategories, including Saturated Fat and
Dietary Fiber. The mass for each category,
except Protein, is then converted to percent
of Daily Value. Only two subcategories,
Saturated Fat and Dietary Fiber are
converted to percent of Daily Value. The
Daily Value is based on the mass of each
category recommended per day per person
for a 2000 calorie diet. The mass of protein
is not converted to percent because there is
no recommended daily value for protein.

Percent Composition
www.fda.gov
part mass of atom
%= X 100; X 100
whole molar mass

Number of Atoms in Total Mass of Atoms in

Atomic
Compound/ Atom Formula Unit or Formula Unit or
Mass
Molecule Molecule
Na2SO4        
Na 2 23 46
S 1 32 32
O 4 16 64
      142 g/mol

©ymije Page 3 of 10
46
% Na = X 100 = 32.39%
142
32
%S = X 100 = 22.54%
142
64
%O = X 100 = 45.07%
142
= 100%

Types of Formulas 

1. Empirical Formula of a compound expresses the smallest whole number ratio of the
atoms present. It is the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of elements in a compound
which is described with the use of subscripts. Ionic formula is always shown as an
empirical formula.

Formulas give the relative numbers of atoms or moles of each element in a formula unit
(ionic compound) - always a whole number ratio (the law of definite proportions).

The law of definite proportions, also known law of definite composition, states that
“regardless of the amount, a pure compound always contains the same elements in the
same proportions by mass.”  Law of multiple proportions, also known as Dalton's Law,
states that when one element combines with another to form more than one compound,
the mass rations of the elements in the compounds are simple whole numbers of each
other.
NO2

The formula shows that the NO2 has 2 atoms of O for every 1 atom of N, 1 mole of O2 or 2
moles of O atoms to every 1 mole of N atom. If we know or can determine the relative
number of moles of each element in a compound, we can determine a formula for the
compound. 

Calculating Empirical Formulas

To obtain an Empirical Formula 

1. Determine the mass in grams of each element present, if necessary.
2. Calculate the number of moles of each element.
3. Divide each by the smallest number of moles to obtain the simplest whole number
ratio.
4. If whole numbers are not obtained* in step 3, multiply through by the smallest number
that will give all whole numbers

*
Be careful! Do not round off numbers prematurely 

Percent to Empirical 

Illustrative Problem 1 
What is the empirical formula of an unknown
hydrocarbon found to contain 75.0% and 25.0 % H
by weight? Assume that the sample weighs 50. 0
grams.

Step 1: Determine the mass of the individual elements in a given sample.

Mass of C = 0.750 (50.0g)  = 37.5 g
Mass of H = 0.20 (50.0 g)   = 12.5 g

Step  2: Convert the mass of the individual elements to mole by using the relationship. 
n= m/MW
mol of C =     37.5 g

©ymije Page 4 of 10
                     12 g/mol             = 3.12 mol
mol of H  =      12.5 g
                       12.01 g/mol      = 12.4 mol

Step 3: Determine the smallest whole-number ratio of the elements by dividing all the
results in step 2 with the smallest result. 
C =      3.12 mol   
            3.12 mol       =  1.00 mol

H =      12.4  mol          
3.12 mol       = 3.97 mol 

Step 4: Write the smallest whole-number ratio obtained in step 3 as the subscripts of the
elements.
Answer: CH4 

Illustrative Problem 2
What is the empirical formula of an inorganic substance if it contains 15.79%
aluminum, 28.07% sulfur and the rest is oxygen?

The percentage composition of oxygen is not given, but since the total of the percentage of
all the elements in a compound must be 100%, therefore the percentage of oxygen should
be:
O% = 100 – (15.79 + 28.07) = 56.14%

Step 1: Since the mass of the compound is not given, assume that we have 100 grams of
sample.
Mass of Al = 15.79g
Mass of S  = 28.07g
Mass of O = 56.14g

Step 2:
Mass of Al   = 15.79g                   
26.98 g/mol     = 0.5852 mol

Mass of S   = 28.07g
32.06g/mol        = 0.8755 mol

Mass of O = 56.14g                                           

16.00g/mol         = 3.509 mol 

Step 3:
Al   = 0.5852 mol
0.5852 mol        = 1.000

S   = 0.8755 mol
0.5852 mol         = 1.496

O = 3.509 mol
0.5852 mol          = 5.996

Step 4: Since one of the ratios is not a whole number, we must find a common factor that
will make all the ratios whole numbers. This number is two (2).
Al = 1(2)        = 2
S  = 1.5(2)     = 3
O = 6(2)        = 12

©ymije Page 5 of 10
Sulfur and oxygen exist in the compound as the sulfate radical (SO4). It should be
enclosed in a parenthesis. 

Step 5: The correct empirical formula is

               Al2(SO4)3 
Illustrative Problem 3
A sample of a brown gas, a major air pollutant, is found to contain 2.34 g N and
5.34g O.  Determine a formula for this substance.
Element N O
Mass 2.34g 5.34 g   
Molar mass 14.01 g/mole 16.00 g/mole
Mole Count 0.167 moles 0.334 moles
Mole Ratio 0.167mol     = 1 0.334mol = 2
0.167mol 0.167mol
Empirical NO2
Formula

Illustrative Problem 4
Calculate the empirical formula of glycine given that it contains 32.0% carbon, 6.7%
hydrogen, 18.7% nitrogen and 42.6% oxygen.

If there is no given amount of a sample assume a 100g sample. Then, take the percent
composition equals the number of grams.

Element C H N O
Mass 32.0 g 6.7g 18.7g 42.6g
Molar mass 12.01 g 1.01 g 14.01 g 16.00 g
Mole Count 2.66 mol 6.6 mol 1.33 mol 2.66 mol
Mole Ratio 2.66 mol = 2 6.6 mol = 5 1.33 mol = 1 1.33 mol = 2
1.33 mol 1.33 mol 1.33 mol 2.66 mol
Empirical C2H5N1O2
Formula

Hence, the empirical formula of the given compound is C2H5N1O2 or C2H5NO2

EMPIRICAL TO PERCENTAGE 

Illustrative Problem 4
What is the percent composition of sodium hydrogen carbonate?

The formula for sodium hydrogen carbonate is NaHCO3.  The Na:H:C:O mole ratio is
1:1:1:3.  Convert this mole ratio into a mass ratio by assuming there is a 1 mole sample
present.
Mass of; Na = 23g, H = 1.0g, C = 12g, O = 16 g

NaHCO3. 
1x 23g = 23
1x1g = 1
1x12g = 12
3x16g = 48
84 g/mol

To determine the percent composition, divide the mass of each element present by the total
mass of the compound and multiply by 100.
23
% Na = X 100 = 27.38 %
84
1
%H = X 100 = 1.19%
84

©ymije Page 6 of 10
12
%C = X 100 = 14.29%
84
48
O = X 100 = 57.14%
84
= 100%

Answer = 27% Na, 1.2% H, 14% C, 57% O 

2. Molecular Formula states the actual number of each kind of atom found in one
molecule of the compound. It is the multiple of an empirical formula.

Since the empirical formula is the lowest ratio, the actual molecule would weigh the
same or more. By a whole number multiple, divide the actual molar mass by the mass of one
mole of the empirical formula, you will get a whole number and multiply the empirical formula
by this.

Empirical Formula given molar mass

(CxHy) n factor Factor (n) =
empirical formula mass

Illustrative Example 5
What is the molecular formula of a compound that contains 80% C and 20% H if its
molecular mass is 30 g/mol?

Step 1:  Assume 100 g of sample and determine the mass of the elements.
Mass of C = 80.0g
Mass of H = 20.0g 

Step 2: Determine the number of moles of each element.

Mol of C = 80.00g
                  12.01g/mol    = 6.66 mol
Mol of H = 20.00g
                   1.00 g/mol     = 20.0 mol 

Step 3: Determine the whole number ratio:

C = 6.66mol = 1 
       6.66 mol
H = 20.0 mol = 3
           6.66 mol

Step 4: Determine the empirical Formula. CH3

                
Step 5: Determine the empirical mass (that is, the mass of the empirical formula) of
compound.

EM = 12.01(1) + 1.00(3) = 15.01 g/mol

Step 6: Divide the molecular mass with the empirical mass:

given molar∨molecular mass 30.0 g /mol

Factor (n) = = =  2
empirical formula mass 15.01 g/mol
              
Step 7: Multiply the factor to the subscript of the empirical formula.   Thus, (CH3)2 or
C2H6 is the molecular formula.

Illustrative Example 6

©ymije Page 7 of 10
A formaldehyde or methanal is a naturally occurring organic compound with
the formula of CH2O. It has a molar mass of 180g. Determine the molecular formula of
this compound.
Empirical Formula Mass of methanal; CH2O
1x12 = 12g
2x 1 = 2g
1x16 = 16g
30g

180 g
Factor (n) = = 6 = (CH2O)6 or C6H12O6
30 g

An empirical and molecular formula can be the same.

1. CH2 empirical formula
2. C2H4 molecular formula
3. C3H6 molecular formula
4. H2O both

HYDRATES
Solids which are found in combined form with water in definite proportion are called
HYDRATES. When hydrates are heated, H2O evaporates, and only solid is obtained
in amorphous that without a certain geometric structure, generally in powdered form.
H2O molecules surround ionic substances with certain amounts.

Water molecules of a hydrate.

Na2CO3.10H2O      Na2CO3(s) + 10H2O(g)
DEHYDRATION: Evaporation of water  or hydration.
 Na2CO3.10H2O, 
CaSO4.2H2O, 
CuSO4.5H2O 

3. Structural Formula shows the relative arrangements of atoms in a molecule. The atoms
in a molecule are connected or chemically bonded in a precise way.
For example: H2O    H-O-H

Hydrate are solids which are found in combined form with water in definite proportion. When
hydrates are heated, H2O evaporates, and only solid is obtained in amorphous that without
a certain geometric structure, generally in powdered form. H2O molecules surround ionic
substances with certain amounts.

WATER OF HYDRATION: Water molecules of a hydrate

Na2CO3.10H2O      → Na2CO3(s) + 10H2O(g)

DEHYDRATION: Evaporation of water or hydration

 Na2CO3.10H2O
CaSO4.2H2O
CuSO4.5H2O 

ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDING

● The percent composition of a compound can be determined given the compound’s

chemical formula or the mass of the elements that made up the compound.
● The empirical formula of a compound shows the elements present in the simplest ratio in
the compound.
● The molecular formula shows the exact number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

LEARNING LOG

©ymije Page 8 of 10
What is the importance of determining the empirical and molecular formula of a compound?
How would you use the concept of these in your daily life?

ASSESSMENT
Choose 5 problems below. Answer and show your solutions, box your final answer
with the correct number of significant digits.
1. The hydrocarbon styrene is used in the manufacture of foam plastics. The molar mass of
this compound is 104 g/mol. Analysis of styrene showed that the compound contains
92.25% C and 7.75% H. What is the molecular formula of styrene?
2. Ajinomoto, a condiment used to add flavor to a dish, contains the chemical compound
called monosodium glutamate (MSG). The compound has the following percent
composition by mass: 35.5% C, 4.77% H, 8.29% N, 13.6% Na, and 37.9% O. Determine
the empirical formula of MSG.
3. Alaxan is a pain reliever containing the compound ibuprofen. Analysis of ibuprofen
revealed that it contains 75.7% C, 8.80%H and 15.5% O. The molar mass of ibuprofen is
206 g/mol. Determine the molecular formula of ibuprofen.
4. The koala bear eats only eucalyptus leaves. The animal has a digestive system that
detoxifies the eucalyptus oil which is a poison to other animals. The chief constituent of
eucalyptus oil is eucalyptol. Analysis of eucalyptol oil revealed the following percent
composition:77.87% C, 11.76%H, and the remainder O. If the molar mass of eucalyptol
is 154 g/mol, what is its molecular formula.
5. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is often added to water-insoluble liquid products of chemical
reactions to remove any unwanted water. MgSO 4 readily absorbs water to form two
different hydrates. One of these hydrates is found to contain 13.0% H2O and 87.0%
MgSO4. What is the name of this hydrate?
6. Two naturally occurring minerals containing titanium are rutile (TiO 2) and ilmenite
(FeTiO2). Which of these two minerals has the larger percentage of titanium?
7. The percentage composition by mass of glycerol, a sweet liquid obtained as a byproduct
of the manufacture of soap is 39.12% Carbon, 8.75% hydrogen, and 52.12% Oxygen. It
has a molar mass of 92.11g/mol. What is the molecular formula of glycerol?
8. Ethylene glycol is a substance used as the primary component of most antifreeze
solutions. Its percent composition by mass is 38.7% C, 9.7% H, and 51.6% O by mass.
What is the molecular formula of ethylene glycol if its molar mass is 61.1 g/mol?
SELF-EVALUATION
Rate yourself from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest while 5 being the highest) on the level of
understanding that you are able to attain for this module:
1 2 3 4 5

POINT OF CLARIFICATION

Please write any questions or points of clarification about the content of this module:

REFERENCES
Books
 Religioso, T., Vengco,L., Narvaza, D., & Faraon, G., (2018). You and the Natural
World Science Series, 2nd Edition, REX Book Store, Inc., pp. 140-152.
©ymije Page 9 of 10
 Pavico, J.M., Ramos, A.C., Bayquen, A., Silverio A., & Ramos, J.D., (2018),
Exploring Through Science Series, 2nd Edition, REX Book Store, Inc., pp.236-249.

Digital Resources
 https://www.thoughtco.com/calculate-empirical-and-molecular-formula-609503
 https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wsu-sandbox2/chapter/molarity-2/
 https://periodictable.com/index.html
 https://www.brightstorm.com/science/chemistry/matter/law-of-definite-proportions-
law-of-multiple-proportions/

©ymije Page 10 of
10