MasteryExams
General Science • ChemistryHard

Calculate the mass percentage of carbon in carbon dioxide, given the atomic masses of carbon and oxygen as 12 and 16 grams per mole respectively.

A. Twenty-seven point two seven percent✓ Correct Answer
B. Forty-two point five eight percent
C. Fifty-two point three six percent
D. Seventy-two point eighty percent

💡 Solution & Explanation

The molar mass of carbon dioxide is calculated as twelve plus two multiplied by sixteen, giving forty-four grams per mole, where twelve grams is contributed by carbon. Dividing twelve by forty-four and multiplying by one hundred yields approximately twenty-seven point two seven percent carbon by mass. Mass percentage calculations are essential in analytical chemistry for determining the empirical and molecular formulas of unknown compounds.

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