What is the Molecular Formula for a Compound Containing Nitrogen and Hydrogen?

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SUMMARY

The molecular formula for a compound containing only nitrogen and hydrogen, which is 87.4% nitrogen by mass, can be determined using the ideal gas law (PV=nRT). Given the density of the gaseous sample at 0.977 g/L, 710 torr, and 100°C, the calculation involves finding the total moles of nitrogen and hydrogen gas. The initial approach of calculating the mass of hydrogen by subtracting the mass of nitrogen from 100 grams is correct, and further application of the ideal gas law will yield the molecular formula.

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  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (PV=nRT)
  • Basic knowledge of molecular mass calculations
  • Familiarity with density and its relation to gas laws
  • Concept of percentage composition in chemistry
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  • Calculate the molar mass of nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) to determine the molecular formula
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kevinf
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i have a question. the problem is

a compound contains only nitrogen and hydrogen and is 87.4% nitrogen by mass. a gaseous sample of the compound has a density of .977g/L at 710. torr and 100. degree celsius. what is the molecular compound.

i have tried it a little by making the mass of nitrogen 87.4 g. and found out the mass of hydrogen by subtracting 87.4 by 100. then i used the mass of each to find out the volume of each. then i used the ideal gas law for both nitrogen and hydrogen. this is all i did so far. i am not even sure if what i did is right. can you guys help me
 
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Hello kevinf and welcome to PF. first use the ideal gas formula

PV=nRT

(n/V)=P/RT

n=total moles of the Nitrogen and Hydrogen gas

Found out how to convert the "total concentration to average density."
 

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