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Empirical Formulae

You can work out the proportion of each ion in a compound. The empirical formula of an ionic compound is the simplest ratio of ions possible.

Ca<sup>2+</sup> and F<sup>-</sup>

Ca2+ and F-

  • In order for the charges to balance out and for the overall formula to be neutral, there must be 2 F- ions for each Ca2+ ion.
    • The empirical formula is CaF2
Na<sup>+</sup> + SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup>

Na+ + SO42-

  • In order for the charges to balance out and for the overall formula to be neutral, there must be 2 Na+ ions for each SO42- ion.
    • The empirical formula is Na2SO4.
Jump to other topics
1

Atomic Structure

2

Chemical Bonding

3

Quantitative Chemistry

4

Chemical Changes

5

Energy Changes

6

The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7

Organic Chemistry

8

Chemical Analysis

9

Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10

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