Question

Combustion analysis of a 125 g sample of an unknown compound produces 392 g of CO₂ and 161 g of H₂O. The compound's molecular mass, as determined by mass spectrometry, is 56.1072 amu.

a) Carbon
b) Hydrogen
c) Oxygen
d) Nitrogen

Answer 1

Combustion analysis is a method used to determine the elemental composition of a compound. In this case, the combustion analysis of the unknown compound produced 392 g of CO₂ and 161 g of H₂O.

Step-by-step explanation:

Combustion analysis is a method used to determine the elemental composition of a compound. In this case, the combustion analysis of the unknown compound produced 392 g of CO₂ and 161 g of H₂O. To determine the composition of the compound, we need to calculate the masses of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the original sample.

Since 1 mole of CO₂ is produced for each mole of carbon atoms and 1 mole of H₂O is produced for every 2 moles of hydrogen atoms, we can use these ratios to calculate the masses of carbon and hydrogen. Using the given masses of CO₂ and H₂O, their molar masses, and the molecular mass of the compound, we can calculate the masses of carbon and hydrogen in the original sample. Therefore, the correct option is: a) Carbon.