Which of the following is a correct empirical formula if the ratio of compounds is [tex]$2: 1: 3$[/tex]?
A. [tex]$Na _2 SO _3$[/tex]
B. [tex]$K _2 C _2 O _3$[/tex]
C. [tex]$Ca _3( OH )_2$[/tex]
D. [tex]$CF _2 Cl _2$[/tex]
Answer (2)
Examine each chemical formula and determine the ratio of its elements.
For N a 2 S O 3 , the ratio of Na:S:O is 2:1:3.
Compare the element ratios of each formula to the given ratio of 2:1:3.
The correct empirical formula is N a 2 S O 3 .
Explanation
Analyzing the Problem We need to determine which of the given chemical formulas has a 2:1:3 ratio of elements. We will examine each formula and determine the ratio of its elements.
Analyzing N a 2 S O 3 For N a 2 S O 3 , the ratio of Na:S:O is 2:1:3.
Analyzing K 2 C 2 O 3 For K 2 C 2 O 3 , the ratio of K:C:O is 2:2:3.
Analyzing C a 3 ( O H ) 2 For C a 3 ( O H ) 2 , the ratio of Ca:O:H is 3:2:2.
Analyzing C F 2 C l 2 For C F 2 C l 2 , the ratio of C:F:Cl is 1:2:2.
Finding the Correct Formula Comparing the element ratios of each formula to the given ratio of 2:1:3, we see that N a 2 S O 3 matches the ratio.
Final Answer Therefore, the correct empirical formula is N a 2 S O 3 .
Examples
Understanding the ratios in chemical formulas is crucial in various real-life applications. For instance, when preparing fertilizers, the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N:P:K) is vital for plant growth. A 2:1:3 ratio in a fertilizer might indicate a specific blend optimized for certain crops, ensuring they receive the right balance of nutrients. Similarly, in pharmaceuticals, the precise ratio of elements in a drug compound determines its efficacy and safety. Incorrect ratios can lead to ineffective treatments or harmful side effects. In materials science, the composition ratio affects the properties of materials, influencing their strength, conductivity, and other characteristics.
The correct empirical formula that corresponds to the ratio of 2:1:3 is Na₂SO₃. This can be confirmed by analyzing the ratios of the elements within the other given chemical formulas. Only Na₂SO₃ matches the required element ratio.
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