Final answer:
The mass percent of carbon in carbon dioxide is calculated by dividing the molar mass of carbon (12.01 g/mol) by the molar mass of carbon dioxide (44.01 g/mol) and multiplying by 100, resulting in 27.3%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mass percent of carbon in carbon dioxide can be calculated using the molar masses of carbon and oxygen. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) has a molecular formula of one atom of carbon (C) and two atoms of oxygen (O). Given that the molar mass of carbon is 12.01 g/mol and that of oxygen is 16.00 g/mol, the molar mass of carbon dioxide is 44.01 g/mol. To find the mass percent of carbon, we divide the molar mass of carbon by the molar mass of CO₂ and then multiply by 100 percent.
Calculation:
Molar Mass of CO₂ = 12.01 g/mol C + (2 × 16.00 g/mol O) = 44.01 g/mol CO₂
Mass percent of C in CO₂ = (12.01 g/mol C / 44.01 g/mol CO₂) × 100 = 27.3%