Chapter 11: Problem 6
Calculate the mass percentage of each element in each of the following compounds to four significant figures. (a) methanol, \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}(l)\) (b) water, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Methanol: C: 37.48%, H: 12.58%, O: 49.94%. Water: H: 11.19%, O: 88.81%.
Step by step solution
01
Find the Molar Mass of Methanol
Methanol has the formula \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \). To find the molar mass, we add the molar masses of each element: - Carbon (C): 1 atom \( \times 12.01 \text{ g/mol} = 12.01 \text{ g/mol} \)- Hydrogen (H): 4 atoms \( \times 1.008 \text{ g/mol} = 4.032 \text{ g/mol} \)- Oxygen (O): 1 atom \( \times 16.00 \text{ g/mol} = 16.00 \text{ g/mol} \)The total molar mass is \( 12.01 + 4.032 + 16.00 = 32.042 \text{ g/mol} \).
02
Calculate Mass Percentage of Each Element in Methanol
To find the mass percentage, divide the mass of each element by the total molar mass and multiply by 100.- Carbon: \( \frac{12.01}{32.042} \times 100 \approx 37.48\% \)- Hydrogen: \( \frac{4.032}{32.042} \times 100 \approx 12.58\% \)- Oxygen: \( \frac{16.00}{32.042} \times 100 \approx 49.94\% \)
03
Find the Molar Mass of Water
Water has the formula \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \). The molar masses are:- Hydrogen (H): 2 atoms \( \times 1.008 \text{ g/mol} = 2.016 \text{ g/mol} \)- Oxygen (O): 1 atom \( \times 16.00 \text{ g/mol} = 16.00 \text{ g/mol} \)The total molar mass is \( 2.016 + 16.00 = 18.016 \text{ g/mol} \).
04
Calculate Mass Percentage of Each Element in Water
To calculate the mass percentage, divide each element's mass by the total mass and multiply by 100.- Hydrogen: \( \frac{2.016}{18.016} \times 100 \approx 11.19\% \)- Oxygen: \( \frac{16.00}{18.016} \times 100 \approx 88.81\% \)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Molar Mass Calculation
Understanding how to calculate molar mass is a fundamental skill in chemistry. It helps you figure out the total mass of a compound based on individual elements. Molar mass is essentially the sum of the masses of all atoms in a molecule.
To illustrate, let's consider methanol with the chemical formula \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \).
This gives the total molar mass of methanol. The same principle applies to other compounds like water \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \), where you sum up the contributions of hydrogen and oxygen to get 18.016 g/mol.
To illustrate, let's consider methanol with the chemical formula \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \).
- Carbon (C) has a molar mass of 12.01 g/mol.
- Hydrogen (H) has a molar mass of 1.008 g/mol. Since there are four hydrogen atoms in methanol, you multiply 1.008 by 4, resulting in 4.032 g/mol.
- Oxygen (O) contributes 16.00 g/mol.
This gives the total molar mass of methanol. The same principle applies to other compounds like water \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \), where you sum up the contributions of hydrogen and oxygen to get 18.016 g/mol.
Key Points:
Remember that accurately knowing molar masses is crucial for subsequent calculations like mass percentage.Elemental Composition
Elemental composition refers to the proportion of each element within a compound. It's crucial for understanding how different elements combine to form a molecule. Let's take a closer look using methanol and water.
This percentage breakdown helps in understanding the role and proportion of each element within the compound.
- In methanol \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \), its composition consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- For water \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \), the composition is simpler; it's just hydrogen and oxygen.
This percentage breakdown helps in understanding the role and proportion of each element within the compound.
Practical Application:
Knowledge of elemental composition is not only academic but also useful in real-world applications like pharmaceuticals, where precise element ratios are vital.Chemical Formula Analysis
Analyzing a chemical formula gives insight into the structure and proportions within a molecule. It assists in determining molecular characteristics and behaviors.
For example, the chemical formula \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \) tells us that methanol contains:
By quantifying these elements and understanding their arrangement, scientists can predict reactions, structure, and function.
For example, the chemical formula \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \) tells us that methanol contains:
- one carbon atom (C)
- four hydrogen atoms (H)
- one oxygen atom (O)
By quantifying these elements and understanding their arrangement, scientists can predict reactions, structure, and function.