Final answer:
The mass percent composition of nitrogen in ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) is calculated to be 21.20%.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the mass percent composition of nitrogen in fertilizers, we rely on the formula mass and the atomic masses of the elements in the fertilizers. For ammonium sulfate, (NH4)2SO4, the calculation is as follows:
- Atomic mass of N: 14.01 amu
- Atomic mass of H: 1.008 amu
- Atomic mass of S: 32.07 amu
- Atomic mass of O: 16.00 amu
First, calculate the formula mass of ammonium sulfate:
((2 x 14.01 amu) + (8 x 1.008 amu) + 32.07 amu + (4 x 16.00 amu)) = 132.14 amu
Next, find the total mass of nitrogen in the compound:
(2 x 14.01 amu) = 28.02 amu
Now, calculate the percent composition:
((28.02 amu / 132.14 amu) x 100) = 21.20%
The mass percent composition of nitrogen in ammonium sulfate is 21.20%. When comparing this to other nitrogen fertilizers, be sure to perform a similar calculation for each compound to find which has the highest nitrogen content.