To find the empirical formula of the compound, we need to determine the ratio of each element present in the compound.
1. Convert the percentages to grams: - 40% Ca = 40g Ca - 12% C = 12g C - 48% O = 48g O
2. Determine the moles of each element: - Moles of Ca = 40g Ca / 40.08 g/mol = 0.998 mol Ca - Moles of C = 12g C / 12.01 g/mol = 0.999 mol C - Moles of O = 48g O / 16.00 g/mol = 3.00 mol O
3. Divide each mole value by the smallest mole value to get the simplest ratio: - Ca: 0.998 / 0.998 = 1 - C: 0.999 / 0.998 = 1 - O: 3.00 / 0.998 = 3
Therefore, the empirical formula of the compound is CaCO3, which is calcium carbonate.