Final answer:
To calculate the theoretical density of MgO with a rock salt crystal structure, use the given X-ray density and observed density in the formula to find the molar volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theoretical density can be calculated by dividing the molar mass of the substance by the molar volume of the unit cell. In the case of MgO with a rock salt crystal structure, the molar volume can be determined using the formula:
Molar volume = Molar mass / Density
The density of MgO can be found using the given information:
X-ray density = 6.806 g/cm³ and observed density = 6.67 g/cm³
By substituting the values into the formula, we can find the molar volume:
Molar volume = (58.69 + 16.00) / 6.806 cm³/mol = 10.97 cm³/mol