Empirical Formula & Finding Reaction Masses

Empirical Formula;

If asked to find the empirical formula of iron oxide produced when 44.8g of iron react with 19.2g of oxygen, start by listing the element in the compound

Fe      O

Then write in the experimental masses

Fe         O

44.8     19.2

Then divide each mass by the relative atomic mass (RAM) for that element 

Fe                           O

44.8                     19.2

44.8/56=0.8  …