Question

question 6 of 10
so₃ is an empirical formula for which of the following?

a. s₂o₆
b. so₄
c. s₂o₃
d. s₄o₂

Explanation:

Step1: Recall empirical formula definition

An empirical formula gives the simplest whole - number ratio of atoms in a compound. To check which compound has \(SO_3\) as its empirical formula, we need to simplify the subscripts of each option by dividing them by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

Step2: Analyze Option A (\(S_2O_6\))

For \(S_2O_6\), the GCD of 2 and 6 is 2. Divide the subscripts of S and O by 2: \(\frac{2}{2}=1\) for S and \(\frac{6}{2} = 3\) for O. So the empirical formula is \(SO_3\).

Step3: Analyze Option B (\(SO_4\))

For \(SO_4\), the GCD of 1 and 4 is 1. The empirical formula remains \(SO_4\), which is not equal to \(SO_3\).

Step4: Analyze Option C (\(S_2O_3\))

For \(S_2O_3\), the GCD of 2 and 3 is 1. The empirical formula remains \(S_2O_3\), which is not equal to \(SO_3\).

Step5: Analyze Option D (\(S_4O_2\))

For \(S_4O_2\), the GCD of 4 and 2 is 2. Divide the subscripts: \(\frac{4}{2}=2\) for S and \(\frac{2}{2}=1\) for O. The empirical formula is \(S_2O\), which is not equal to \(SO_3\).

Answer:

A. \(S_2O_6\)