Final answer:
The percentage, by mass, of nitrogen in the fertilizer (NH4)3PO4 is approximately 28.22%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentage, by mass, of nitrogen in the fertilizer (NH4)3PO4 can be calculated by considering the atomic masses of the elements involved. The formula mass for (NH4)3PO4 is 149.0 amu.
To find the mass of nitrogen in the compound, we need to determine the mass contribution of nitrogen compared to the total formula mass.
First, calculate the mass contribution of nitrogen by multiplying the atomic mass of nitrogen (14.01 amu) by the number of nitrogen atoms in the formula, which is 3.
Then, divide this value by the formula mass of (NH4)3PO4 (149.0 amu) and multiply by 100 to get the percentage:
Mass of nitrogen = (3 * 14.01 amu) = 42.03 amu
Percentage of nitrogen = (42.03 amu / 149.0 amu) * 100 = 28.22%
Therefore, the percentage, by mass, of nitrogen in the fertilizer (NH4)3PO4 is approximately 28.22%.