Find the simplest molecular formula if the composition of this compound in mass fractions

Find the simplest molecular formula if the composition of this compound in mass fractions is as follows: H – 1.6%; Se – 61.2%; O – 37.2%.

Let us denote: x is the number of hydrogen atoms, y is the number of selenium atoms, z is the number of oxygen atoms, Mr is the molecular weight of the compound.
The relative atomic masses of the elements are known: hydrogen is 1, selenium is 79, oxygen is 16.
The following expressions were drawn up:
0.016 = 1x / Mr;

0.612 = 79y / Mr;

0.372 = 16z / Mr;

Let us express the values of the molecular weight:
Mr = 1x / 0.016 = 62.5x;

Mr = 79y / 0.612 = 129y;

Mr = 16z / 0.372 = 43z;

Equating expressions: 62.5x = 129y = 43z. Approximate values: x = 2, y = 1, z = 3.

Answer: the simplest molecular formula is H2SeO3.



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