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Phosphorus forms an oxide with the formula, P4On. The relative molecular mass of the oxide was found to be 284. What is the value of n in the formula?​

User Jon Warren
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Step-by-step explanation:

To find the value of n in the formula P4On, we need to use the given relative molecular mass of the oxide and the atomic masses of phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O).

The molecular mass of P4On can be calculated as:

molecular mass of P4On = (molecular mass of P4) + (molecular mass of On)

= (4 × atomic mass of P) + (n × atomic mass of O)

We are given that the relative molecular mass of the oxide is 284. Therefore:

molecular mass of P4On = 284

Substituting the atomic masses of P and O, we get:

(4 × 31) + (n × 16) = 284

Simplifying the equation, we get:

124 + 16n = 284

Subtracting 124 from both sides, we get:

16n = 160

Dividing both sides by 16, we get:

n = 10

Therefore, the value of n in the formula P4On is 10. Hence, the formula of the oxide is P4O10.

User Jerome P Mrozak
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