Empirical Formula

Traditional labs used to teach the concept of empirical formula, such as the synthesis of magnesium oxide, reactions between sulfur and copper or iron, or the decomposition of silver oxide, require high energy and may result in the production of dangerous compounds. This alternative method uses greener reactants and produces rust at ambient temperatures. Student results may vary depending on the purity of your iron filings. The products may be iron(II) oxide, iron(III) oxide, or a combination of these. Magnetite, or ferrous ferric oxide, is a combination that results in a formula of Fe3O4. It is a magnetized iron ore which is a main source of iron, and sometimes called lodestone.