What is the empirical formula for a sample of a compound that contains 259.2 g F and 40.8 g C?

To find the empirical formula, we first convert the masses of fluorine (F) and carbon (C) to moles. The molar mass of F is approximately 19 g/mol, and for C, it's about 12 g/mol.

Calculating the moles:

• Moles of F = 259.2 g / 19 g/mol ≈ 13.63 moles
• Moles of C = 40.8 g / 12 g/mol ≈ 3.4 moles

Next, we find the simplest whole number ratio by dividing by the smaller number of moles (3.4):

• F: 13.63 / 3.4 ≈ 4
• C: 3.4 / 3.4 = 1

Thus, the empirical formula is C₁F₄ or simply CF₄.