An unknown compound has the following chemical formula: NxO where x stands for a whole number.
Measurements also show that a certain sample of the unknown compound contains 5.2 mol of nitrogen and 2.65 mol of oxygen
Write the complete chemical formula for the unknown compound.

Taking into account the definition of empirical formula, the complete chemical formula for the unknown compound is N₂O.

The empirical formula of a chemical compound shows the ratio between the atoms of the compound. That is, it indicates which elements are present and the minimum ratio in whole numbers between their atoms. The empirical formula is the simplest chemical formula for a chemical compound, which is why it is also called the minimum formula.

The empirical formula must be expressed using integer relationships, then to obtain this formula, divide the numbers of moles by the smallest result of them. In this case:

Nitrogen: = 1.96 moles ≅ 2 moles

Oxygen = 1 mole

Being the chemical formula of hte compound NxO, where x stands for a whole number, this indicates that the elements N and O are in the compound in a whole number ratio of x: 1.  Then, as in the empirical formula, the numbers of moles must be expressed in whole numbers, as previously calculated, the value of x must be 2.

In summary, the complete chemical formula for the unknown compound is N₂O.

Learn more about empirical formula and its difference with molecular formula: