A knowledge of electronic configurations would lead you to predict that H2O is the empirical formula for water Why?

Answer 1

hahaha i have this exact question in my chemistry book.

An empirical formula is a chemical formula showing the ratio of elements in a compound rather than the total number of atoms.

Therefore, the formula H2O is an empircal formula as it shows that to each Oxygen, there are two hydrogens.

I hope that helps, good luck with your VCE.

Answer 2

An electronic configuration analysis of hydrogen (1s1) and oxygen (1s2 2s2 2p4) atoms shows that when they combine in a 2:1 ratio, the valence shells of both atoms will be filled to form stable molecular orbitals, resulting in the formation of H2O. Therefore, based on electronic configurations and valence shell interactions, the empirical formula for water is predicted to be H2O.