Burning a compound of calcium, carbon and nitrogen in oxygen generates calcium oxide (CaO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). A small sample gives 3.106 g CaO, 2.439 g CO2, and 5.097g NO2. Determine the empirical formula of the compound.

CaCN₂

Explanation:

A compound of calcium, carbon and nitrogen CaₐCₓNₙ in oxygen will burning producing:

CaₐCₓNₙ + O₂ → aCaO + xCO₂ + nNO₂

Moles of the oxides CaO, CO₂, NO₂ are:

CaO: 3.106g ₓ (1 mole / 56.08g) = 0.0554 moles of CaO = moles of Ca

CO₂: 2.439g ₓ (1mole / 44g) = 0.0554 moles CO₂ = moles C

NO₂: 5.097g ₓ (1mole / 46g) = 0.111 moles NO₂ = moles N

Empirical formula is the chemical formula that represents the simplest ratio of elements in a compound.

Having as basis 0.0554 moles (The lower number of moles):

0.0554 moles Ca / 0.0554 = 1 Ca

0.0554 moles C / 0.0554 = 1 C

0.111 moles N / 0.0554 = 2N

Thus, the compound CaₐCₓNₙ  has as empirical formula:

Ca₁C₁N₂ = CaCN₂

"among the transition metal elements, manganese and zinc have a slight lowering of electronegativities. the reason behind this is that the nuclear charges of these elements are slightly weaker than the other transition metal elements due to the way their valence electrons are filled up. both manganese and zinc have their valence electrons filled up to the 4th shell with 1 pair of electrons (4s2) completely occupying it. although the electrons in the 3rd shell (3d) are yet to be paired since the outer most shell is filled up, the ability of the nucleus to attract electrons is lessened. hence,   the electronegativity (or the ability to attract electrons) is lessened."

2b2t

explanation:

2b2t