Answer
The ration of S atoms to O atoms is 1:3, therefore the empirical formula of the component is $SO_{3}$.
Work Step by Step
Strategy: 1- Convert the masses to moles 2- Divide each mole number by the smallest one in order to find the smallest integers.
The sample contains 33.4 g sulfur and (83.5-33.4) = 50.1 g oxygen. Converted to moles we will have:
Moles of sulfur: 33.4g$\times\frac{1 mol(S)}{32.0 g (S)}$ = 1.04375 mol S
Moles of oxygen: 50.1g$\times\frac{1 mol (O)}{16.0 g (O) }$ = 3.13125 mol S
The smallest mole number is the one of S. Divide by this smallest number:
1.04375$\div$1.04375 = 1
3.13125$\div$1.04375 = 3
So the ration of S atoms to O atoms is 1:3, therefore the empirical formula of the component is $SO_{3}$
