When finding empirical formula

[305174946]

When beginning to find the empirical formula, do you always start with the mass percentage composition if it is not given?

[Madison Gil 3D]

Yes, usually they give you the percent composition, but if it is not given, divide the mass given by the mass of the total compound to find percent composition.

[AvaGordon_4F]

I believe so, yes! You need to calculate mass percentage composition and get a percentage for every element involved, because that is the crucial information you need to do the rest of the problem. Once you have that, you can proceed with solving the rest (by assuming you have 100 g of the compound, getting a relative mole ratio etc..)

[Henry_Phan_4L]

Find the percent composition and then convert to moles.

[michelle]

I think yes. Only in that way you could find the ratio of moles.