What is the first step in finding the empirical formula from experimental data?

The first step in finding the empirical formula from experimental data begins with determining the mass of each element present in the compound. This foundational step allows you to know how much of each element you are working with, which is crucial for the subsequent calculations.

Once the masses are known, the next logical step is to convert these masses into moles, which provides a way to express the quantities of the different elements on a common basis. The relationship between moles and the empirical formula is what ultimately reveals the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in the compound, which is the goal of determining the empirical formula.

Understanding the mass of each element offers the necessary information needed to carry out these conversions and calculations accurately. Without this initial step, you wouldn't have the required data to proceed with finding the moles or the final empirical formula. The focus on identifying the masses is therefore a compulsory starting point in the process.