Question

Consider the following compound: Hg3(PO4)2What is the percent composition by mass for each element?

Answer 1

H = 76.10%

P = 7.82%

O = 16.16%

Procedure

Considering the compound Hg₃(PO₄)₂

To calculate the percent composition by mass of each element first you need to calculate the total mass of the compound using the molecular weights.

Data from the periodic table

Hg= 200.59 g/mole

P = 30.97 g/mole

O =15.99 g/mole

Molecular weight per type of atom in one molecule

Hg= 200.59 g x 3 = 601.77 g

P = 30.97 g x 2 = 61.94 g

O =15.99 g x 8 = 127.92 g

Total mass = 601.77 + 61.94 + 127.92 = 791.63

Percent masses

`Hg=(601.77)/(791.63)\text{ }*100\%=76.01\%`
`P=(61.94)/(791.63)\text{ }*100\%=7.82\%`
`O=(127.92)/(791.63)\text{ }*100\%=16.16\%`

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