Question

Assume there is a compound having a formula of N₃O₂. Calculate the percent of Nitrogen (N) in the compound.

a. 40%
b. 50%
c. 60%
d. 70%

Answer 1

The percent of Nitrogen in the compound N₃O₂ is calculated by dividing the total mass of Nitrogen by the molar mass of the compound and multiplying by 100. The approximate percentage of Nitrogen in the compound is 60%.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the percent of Nitrogen (N) in the compound N₃O₂, you need to:

1. Determine the molar mass of the entire compound.
2. Calculate the mass contributed by Nitrogen alone.
3. Divide the mass of Nitrogen by the total molar mass, and multiply by 100 to get the percentage.

The molar mass of Nitrogen (N) is approximately 14.01 g/mol. Since there are three Nitrogens in the compound, the total mass of Nitrogen is 3 × 14.01 g/mol = 42.03 g/mol. The molar mass of Oxygen (O) is about 16.00 g/mol, and with two Oxygens in the compound, the total mass of Oxygen is 2 × 16.00 g/mol = 32.00 g/mol. The molar mass of the entire compound is therefore 42.03 g/mol (Nitrogen) + 32.00 g/mol (Oxygen) = 74.03 g/mol.

To find the percent of Nitrogen in N₃O₂:

(Mass of Nitrogen / Total molar mass of compound) × 100 = (42.03 g/mol / 74.03 g/mol) × 100 ≈ 56.79%

The closest answer to 56.79% is (c) 60%, so the percent of Nitrogen in N₃O₂ is approximately 60%.