Final answer:
The mass percent of nitrogen in ammonium carbonate (NH4)2CO3 is calculated by using the atomic mass of nitrogen and the formula mass of the compound, which yields a mass percent of 29.16%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to calculating the mass percent of nitrogen in ammonium carbonate, which can be accomplished by using the molar masses of the elements involved and the molecular formula of the compound. To find the mass percent of nitrogen in (NH4)2CO3, we need to know the molar masses of nitrogen (N) and the molar mass of the compound. Each ammonium ion (NH4) contains one nitrogen atom. Therefore, in one formula unit of ammonium carbonate, there are two moles of nitrogen atoms.
To calculate the mass percent, we will use the atomic mass of nitrogen (14.01 amu per atom) and the formula mass of ammonium carbonate [(2 x 14.01) + (8 x 1.008) + 12.01 + (3 x 16.00)] to find the percent composition of nitrogen in the compound. The formula weight of ammonium carbonate is calculated to be approximately 96.09 amu.
Mass percent of nitrogen = [(2 x 14.01) / 96.09] x 100 = 29.16%
Therefore, the correct answer is c. 29.16%.