Question

Propane (C₃H₈), the fuel commonly used in gas grills, is one of the lighter compounds obtained from petroleum. Calculate the percent composition of propane.

Answer 1

The percent composition of propane (C3H8) is approximately 32.26% carbon and 18.19% hydrogen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The percent composition of propane (C3H8) can be calculated by finding the molar masses of carbon and hydrogen and then dividing the molar mass of each element by the molar mass of the whole compound.

The molar mass of carbon is 12.01 g/mol, and the molar mass of hydrogen is 1.008 g/mol. The molar mass of propane can be calculated as:

(3 * 12.01) + (8 * 1.008) = 44.11 g/mol.

To find the percent composition of carbon, divide the molar mass of carbon by the molar mass of propane and multiply by 100:

(3 * 12.01) / 44.11 * 100 = 32.26%.

To find the percent composition of hydrogen, divide the molar mass of hydrogen by the molar mass of propane and multiply by 100:

(8 * 1.008) / 44.11 * 100 = 18.19%.

Therefore, the percent composition of propane is approximately 32.26% carbon and 18.19% hydrogen.