Final answer:
To identify which 100-gram sample contains the smallest number of moles, calculate the number of moles for each given by dividing 100 grams by their respective molecular weights. The compound with the largest molecular weight will have the smallest number of moles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around finding out which compound has the smallest number of moles in a 100-gram sample. To determine this, we need to compare the molecular weights (molar mass) of each compound and perform a basic mole calculation for each, using the formula: Number of moles = mass (g) / molecular weight (g/mol). The sample containing the smallest number of moles will be the one with the largest molecular weight since the mass of all samples is constant at 100 grams.
For example, if we calculate the number of moles for methane (CH4), with a molecular weight of approximately 16.04 g/mol, the number of moles in 100 grams would be 100 g / 16.04 g/mol = 6.235 mol.
Similarly, we would calculate the number of moles for each of the other compounds and compare to find the one with the lowest mole count. Calculating moles, molecular weight, and stoichiometry are key components in identifying the compound with the smallest number of moles.