Exp 3: Empirical Formula Determination

Student Name:
Resources
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wJqfW_F_QI

Aim
Recorded Data:

Material Mass (g)

Empty test tube

Test tube + hydrated salt

Test tube + anhydrous salt

(a) after 1st drying

Test tube + anhydrous salt

(b) after 2nd drying

Test tube + anhydrous salt

© after 3rd drying

RMIT: Foundation Studies

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CHEM1288_Student Laboratory Manual
Calculations:
(Show all workings and give appropriate units to answers to obtain full marks.)

1. Calculate the mass of

a. Hydrated salt (MgSO4.x H2O)

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(b) Anhydrous salt (MgSO4)

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(c) water
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2. Calculate the amount (in mole) of

(a) MgSO4
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(b) H2O
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3. Calculate the simplest ratio of nMgSO4 to nH2O

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4. Determine the empirical formula of hydrated magnesium sulfate.

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RMIT: Foundation Studies

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CHEM1288_Student Laboratory Manual
Questions

1. Gypsum is hydrated calcium sulphate (CaSO 4.xH2O). 5.65 g of anhydrous calcium

sulphate is obtained by heating 7.15 g of gypsum. Determine the empirical formula of
gypsum.
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2. A hydrocarbon (compound of carbon and hydrogen) extracted from natural gas was
combusted in oxygen produces 7.59g of water and 13.9 g of carbon dioxide. Find the
empirical formula of the combusted hydrocarbon.

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Conclusion
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RMIT: Foundation Studies

P a ge |3
CHEM1288_Student Laboratory Manual