Final answer:
To calculate the percent composition by mass of each element in NaClO₂, divide the mass of that element in 1 mole of the compound by the molar mass of the compound and multiply by 100%. Sodium (Na) is approximately 25.44% of the compound, chlorine (Cl) is approximately 39.23%, and oxygen (O) is approximately 70.79%.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the percent composition by mass of each element in NaClO₂, we need to divide the mass of that element in 1 mole of the compound by the molar mass of the compound and multiply by 100%. Here are the steps:
- Determine the molar mass of NaClO₂: Na (22.99 g/mol) + Cl (35.45 g/mol) + O (16.00 g/mol) × 2 = 90.44 g/mol.
- Find the mass of each element in 1 mole of NaClO₂: Na = 22.99 g/mol, Cl = 35.45 g/mol, and O = 32.00 g/mol × 2 = 64.00 g/mol.
- Calculate the percent composition by mass for each element: Na = (22.99 g/mol / 90.44 g/mol) × 100% ≈ 25.44%, Cl = (35.45 g/mol / 90.44 g/mol) × 100% ≈ 39.23%, and O = (64.00 g/mol / 90.44 g/mol) × 100% ≈ 70.79%.
Therefore, the percent composition by mass of each element in NaClO₂ is approximately:
- Sodium (Na): 25.44%
- Chlorine (Cl): 39.23%
- Oxygen (O): 70.79%