A metal M of equivalent mass E forms an oxide of molecular formula MxOy. The atomic mass of the metals is given by the correct equation (BCECE 2008)

Given, The equivalent weight of metal M is E The molecular formula of metal oxide is x y M O The atomic mass of a metal = Equivalent mass of a metal × Valency of metal ---(1) Valency of oxygen = -2 Charge on oxygen atoms = -2y Let, the valency of metal = +n The charge on x metal atoms = +nx The summation of all the charges in a molecule is zero as it is neutral. Then, the valency of metal = 2 0 2 2 nx y nx y y n x Therefore, we get the atomic mass of a metal = 2 2 y y E E x x x .