2. A compound has the following composition. 49 percent oxygen, 21 percent nitrogen, 24 percent sulfur, and 6 percent hydrogen. What is this compound's empirical formula?
I

Empirical formula :   N₂H₈O₄S

Explanation:

Percentage of hydrogen = 6%

Percentage of nitrogen = 21%

Percentage of oxygen = 49 %

Percentage of sulfur = 24 %

Empirical formula = ?

Solution:

Number of gram atoms of H = 6 / 1.01 = 5.9

Number of gram atoms of O = 49 / 16 = 3.1

Number of gram atoms of N = 21 / 14 = 1.5

Number of gram atoms of S = 24 / 32 = 0.75

Atomic ratio:

                N             :        H             :         O             :      S

           1.5/0.75        :     5.9/0.75     :       3.1/0.75   :     0.75/0.75

                  2            :        8              :        4             :        1

N:H:O:S =   2 : 8 : 4: 1

Empirical formula :   N₂H₈O₄S