The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements present in that compound. To find the empirical formula from a molecular formula, you need to divide the subscripts of each element by their greatest common divisor.
For the molecular formula P4O10, we identify the number of phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) atoms:
- Phosphorus (P): 4
- Oxygen (O): 10
Next, we find the greatest common divisor of the two subscripts, which is 2. Now, we divide the subscripts by this greatest common divisor:
- Phosphorus (P): 4 ÷ 2 = 2
- Oxygen (O): 10 ÷ 2 = 5
Therefore, the empirical formula for P4O10 is P2O5.