<span>Explanation: </span> <span /><span /><span> The empirical formula is the formula that shows the ratio of the atoms in its simplest form, this is using the smallest whole numbers. </span><span />
<span>The empirical formula may or may not be the same molecular formula. </span><span />
<span>In this case you are given the molecular formula Hg₂(NO₃)₂. Since, the ratio of the atoms of Hg, N, and O is 2: 2: 6, respectively, the same ratio is expressed if you divide by the greatest common factor (GCF). </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>The GCF of 2, 2, and 6 is 2. So, the ratios can be simplified to 1:1:3, meaning 1 mol of Hg, 1 mol of N, and 3 mol of O or HgNO₃.</span>