Question

When kaolinite clay [Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄] is heated to a sufficiently high temperature, chemical water is driven off.

Under these circumstances, what is the composition of the remaining product (in weight percent Al₂O₃)?

Answer 1

The composition of the remaining product in weight percent Al2O3 when kaolinite clay is heated can be determined using stoichiometry. The weight percent is approximately 39.5%.

Step-by-step explanation:

When kaolinite clay [Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4] is heated to a sufficiently high temperature, chemical water is driven off. The composition of the remaining product in weight percent Al2O3 can be determined using stoichiometry.

First, let's calculate the molar mass of kaolinite clay:
(2 × atomic mass of Al) + (2 × atomic mass of Si) + (5 × atomic mass of O) + (4 × atomic mass of H) = 258.16 g/mol

Next, calculate the molar mass of Al2O3:
2 × (atomic mass of Al) + 3 × (atomic mass of O) = 101.96 g/mol

Using these molar masses, you can determine the weight percent of Al2O3 in the remaining product by dividing the molar mass of Al2O3 by the molar mass of kaolinite clay and multiplying by 100:

Weight percent Al2O3 = (101.96 g/mol ÷ 258.16 g/mol) × 100 = 39.5%