Final answer:
The percent by mass of sodium in the given compound is likely 32.37%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percent by mass of sodium can be calculated by dividing the mass of sodium by the mass of the entire compound and multiplying by 100%. In this case, since the compound is not specified, we cannot determine the exact percentage.
However, based on the options given (16.18%, 22.58%, 32.37%, 45.98%), we can check which one is closest to the percent by mass of sodium in a common compound like sodium chloride (NaCl).
The formula mass of NaCl is 58.44 amu, and the molar mass of sodium (Na) is 22.99 g/mol, so:
Percent by mass of sodium in NaCl = (22.99 g/mol / 58.44 amu) x 100%
= 39.34%
The option closest to 39.34% is 32.37%, so the percent by mass of sodium in the given compound is likely 32.37%.