Question

Calculate the percent composition by mass of each element in KClO₃.

Answer 1

To calculate the percent composition by mass of each element in KClO₃, divide the mass of each element by the molar mass of the compound and multiply by 100%. The percent composition by mass of each element in KClO₃ is approximately 31.86% potassium (K), 28.98% chlorine (Cl), and 39.16% oxygen (O).

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the percent composition by mass of each element in KClO₃, you need to divide the mass of each element by the molar mass of the compound and then multiply by 100%. KClO₃ consists of potassium (K), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O). Here is the step-by-step calculation:

1. Find the molar mass of KClO₃:
   • Molar mass of K: 39.10 g/mol
   • Molar mass of Cl: 35.45 g/mol
   • Molar mass of O: 16.00 g/mol
   Total molar mass of KClO₃ = (39.10 g/mol) + (35.45 g/mol) + (3 x 16.00 g/mol) = 122.55 g/mol
2. Calculate the mass of each element:
   • Mass of K = (39.10 g/mol / 122.55 g/mol) x 100% = 31.86%
   • Mass of Cl = (35.45 g/mol / 122.55 g/mol) x 100% = 28.98%
   • Mass of O = (3 x 16.00 g/mol / 122.55 g/mol) x 100% = 39.16%

Therefore, the percent composition by mass of each element in KClO₃ is approximately 31.86% potassium (K), 28.98% chlorine (Cl), and 39.16% oxygen (O).