Lab 1: Determining the Empirical Formula of a Compound:

The goal of this experiment is to determine the Empirical Formula of a Compound. (The Empirical Formula of a Compound is the simplest whole number ratio between the elements of a compound) If one can synthesize a compound from elements, then it is possible to determine an experimental empirical formula for the compound, from its molar and stoichiometric ratios.

I hypothesize that by reacting Mg with pure O, (or air, and then using water and heat to remove any magnesium nitride formed upon exposure to the air), and then calculating the ratio between the moles of Mg and O, I should be able to determine experimentally the empirical formula of MgO.