Final answer:
To find the number of moles of magnesium oxide (MgO) produced from 401 g, you divide the mass by the molar mass of MgO (40.305 g/mol), resulting in approximately 9.94 moles with the correct significant digits.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the number of moles of magnesium oxide produced from 401 g, we must use the molar mass of magnesium oxide (MgO). The molar mass of magnesium oxide is approximately 24.305 g/mol (Mg) + 16.00 g/mol (O) = 40.305 g/mol (MgO). Using this molar mass, the number of moles can be calculated by dividing the mass of the compound by its molar mass.
Number of moles = Mass of magnesium oxide / Molar mass of magnesium oxide
Number of moles = 401 g / 40.305 g/mol = 9.945 moles of MgO
It is important to use the correct number of significant digits. The mass of magnesium oxide is given to three significant digits, so the final answer should be reported to three significant digits as well. Therefore, the number of moles of magnesium oxide produced is approximately 9.94 moles.