Question

You are performing an experiment in a lab to attempt a new method of producing pure elements from

compounds. The only problem is that you do not know what element will form. By your previous calculations

you know that you will have 6.3 moles of product. When it is complete, you weigh it and determine you have

604.4 grams. What element have you produced?

Answer 1

• Molybdenum

Step-by-step explanation:

Since, the atomic mass of the elements is a characteristic property of the elements, you can use the data given, number of moles and mass in grams of the product, to calculate the atomic mass of the product, and then compare with the atomic masses of the elements (information foun in any periodic table).

1) Atomic mass of the product:

• Atomic mass = mass in grams / number of moles

• Atomic mass = 604.4 g / 6.3 mol = 95.94 g/mol ≈ 94.9 g/mol (rounded to three significant figures)

2) Periodic table:

• Molybdenum, Mo, the element with atomic number 42, has atomic mass equal to 95.94 g/mol.

3) Conclusion:

So, you can conclude safely that the element you have produced is Molybdenum.