Final answer:
The mass percentage of oxygen in C₃H₈O₂ is calculated by dividing the total mass of oxygen (32.00 g) by the molar mass of the compound (76.094 g) and multiplying by 100 to get a percentage, which results in 42.04%.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the mass percentage of oxygen (O) in C₃H₈O₂, you need to know the molar masses of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O), which are 12.01 g/mol, 1.008 g/mol, and 16.00 g/mol, respectively. For C₃H₈O₂, the molar mass calculations for one mole would be:
- Carbon: 3 atoms x 12.01 g/mol = 36.03 g
- Hydrogen: 8 atoms x 1.008 g/mol = 8.064 g
- Oxygen: 2 atoms x 16.00 g/mol = 32.00 g
The total molar mass of C₃H₈O₂ is then 36.03 g + 8.064 g + 32.00 g = 76.094 g/mol. To find the mass percent of oxygen in the compound:
Oxygen mass percent = (mass of oxygen / total molar mass) x 100
Oxygen mass percent = (32.00 g / 76.094 g) x 100
Oxygen mass percent = 42.04%
Therefore, the mass percentage of oxygen in C₃H₈O₂ is 42.04%.