Step 1
% by mass is defined as:
mass of solute ------ 100 g of solution
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Step 2
The mass of the solution = mass of solute (KBr) + mass of solvent (water) = 123 g + 689 g = 812 g
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Step 3
Procedure:
123 g KBr ------ 812 g solution
X ------ 100 g solution
X = 100 g solution x 123 g KBr/812 g solution = 15.1 g KBr = 15.1 % by mass
Answer: 15.1 % by mass