Question

There are two common oxides of copper; one is 80% copper and the other is 89% copper by weight. Calculate the formula and name each compound.

Answer 1

80% copper (Cu)

Cu: 80 : 63.546 = 1.259

O: 20 : 16 = 1.25

Cu:O = 1 : 1

the formula: CuO

89% copper (Cu)

Cu: 89 : 63.546 = 1.4

O: 11 : 16 = 0.6875

Cu:O = 2:1

the formula: Cu₂O