Final answer:
The percent composition of nitrogen in NH4OH is calculated by dividing the atomic mass of nitrogen by the molar mass of NH4OH and multiplying by 100%, resulting in approximately 39.94%.
Step-by-step explanation:
Determining the Percent Composition of Nitrogen in NH4OH
To calculate the percent composition of nitrogen in ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), you first need to determine the molar mass of the compound. The molar mass of NH4OH is the sum of the molar masses of all the atoms in one molecule:
- N: 1 × 14.01 amu = 14.01 amu
- H (in NH4+): 4 × 1.008 amu = 4.032 amu
- O: 1 × 16.00 amu = 16.00 amu
- H (in OH-): 1 × 1.008 amu = 1.008 amu
Adding these together gives the molar mass of NH4OH as 35.05 amu. To find the percent composition by mass of nitrogen, divide the mass of nitrogen (14.01 amu) by the total molar mass of NH4OH and multiply by 100%:
(14.01 amu / 35.05 amu) × 100% = 39.94%
Therefore, the percent composition of nitrogen in NH4OH is approximately 39.94%.