Simple empirical formula question

[Stevecgz]

Question:
The reaction of 1.36 g of manganese with excess cholrine produced 4.00 g of chloride compound of manganese. Determine the empirical formula of the product.

If I calculate this with cholrine as Cl_{2} I get Mn_{3}Cl_{4}.

But if I calculate it with cholrine as Cl I get Mn_{3}Cl.

Which way is correct?

Steve

 

[HallsofIvy]

How do you get those two answers? Since you start with 1.36 g of manganese and end with 4 g of compound, there must be 4- 1.36 = 2.64 g of chlorine atoms in the compound. 1.36 g is how many manganese atoms? 2.64 g of chlorine is how many chlorine atoms? What is the ratio?

 

[Stevecgz]

Doh! Dyslexia kicking in again. Thanks HallsofIvy, I found where I messed up now.

Steve