Answer
The ration of W atoms to O atoms is 1:3 , therefore the empirical formula of the component is $WO_{3}$.
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 4.23 g tungsten (W) and (5.34- 4.23) = 1.11 g oxygen. Converted to moles we will have:
Moles of W: 4.23g$\times\frac{1 mol(W)}{184 g (Os)}$ = 0.02299 mol W
Moles of oxygen: 1.11g$\times\frac{1 mol (O)}{16.0 g (O) }$ = 0.06938 mol O
The smallest mole number is the one of W. Divide by this smallest number:
0.02299$\div$0.02299 = 1
0.06938$\div$0.02299 = 3.02 we can round this to 3 ( within experimental error)
So the ration of W atoms to O atoms is 1:3 , therefore the empirical formula of the component is $WO_{3}$.
