Determine the empirical formula of an oxide of iron which has 69.9% iron and 30.1% oxygen by mass.
To determine the empirical formula, we need to find the simplest whole number ratio of atoms. Given: 69.9% iron and 30.1% oxygen. Assume 100 g of the oxide. Iron = 69.9 g, Oxygen = 30.1 g. Divide by atomic masses: Fe = 69.9/55.85 = 1.25, O = 30.1/16 = 1.88. Ratio is 1.25:1.88 ≈ 2:3. Therefore, the empirical formula is Fe2O3.