1. An analytical chemist analyzes a mineral sample from a remote crater. The sample contains $70.0\%$ Iron (Fe) and $30.0\%$ Oxygen (O) by mass. What is the empirical formula of this mineral? ($A_r: \text{Fe} = 56, \text{O} = 16$)
A) $\text{FeO}$
B) $\text{Fe}_3\text{O}_4$
C) $\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3$
D) $\text{Fe}_2\text{O}$
Correct Answer: C
<strong>Solution:</strong><br> Step 1: Moles of $\text{Fe} = \frac{70.0}{56} = 1.25\text{ mol}$.<br> Step 2: Moles of $\text{O} = \frac{30.0}{16} = 1.875\text{ mol}$.<br> Step 3: Divide by smallest value ($1.25$):<br> $\text{Fe}: \frac{1.25}{1.25} = 1$; $\text{O}: \frac{1.875}{1.25} = 1.5$.<br> Step 4: Multiply by $2$ to get whole numbers: $\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3$.


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