What is the mass percentages of carbon in the compound with formula C3H7O2N
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The mass percentage of carbon in C₃H₇O₂N is 40.45%.
Explanation:
To find the mass percentage of carbon in any compound, the first step is to determine the molar mass of the entire compound and the total mass contributed by carbon. For the compound C₃H₇O₂N, the calculation begins by using the atomic masses: carbon (12.01 g/mol), hydrogen (1.01 g/mol), oxygen (16.00 g/mol), and nitrogen (14.01 g/mol).
First, calculate the molar mass:
- Carbon: 3 atoms × 12.01 g/mol = 36.03 g/mol
- Hydrogen: 7 atoms × 1.01 g/mol = 7.07 g/mol
- Oxygen: 2 atoms × 16.00 g/mol = 32.00 g/mol
- Nitrogen: 1 atom × 14.01 g/mol = 14.01 g/mol
Adding these together gives the total molar mass:
36.03 + 7.07 + 32.00 + 14.01 = 89.11 g/mol.
Next, to find the mass percentage of carbon, divide the total carbon mass by the molar mass of the compound and multiply by 100%:
(36.03 g/mol carbon ÷ 89.11 g/mol compound) × 100% = 40.45%.
This means that for every 100 grams of this compound, about 40.45 grams are due to carbon atoms. Determining mass percentages is important in chemistry because it shows how much each element contributes to the compound. It is useful in stoichiometry, empirical formula determination, and quality control in manufacturing chemicals. This type of calculation helps chemists understand the elemental composition and purity of substances, as well as design chemical reactions efficiently. When working with compounds in lab settings or industry, knowing the mass percentage ensures correct measurements and predictable reaction outcomes. This strengthens accuracy in experiments and helps explain properties such as combustibility or reactivity, which often relate directly to the proportion of carbon or other elements present.