Question

Determine the N:C ratio naturally found in P. fluorescens by mass (50% carbon and 15% nitrogen). Carbon and nitrogen comprise 50% and 15% of the biomass by weight. Determine the N : C ratio in terms of number of atoms. #N atoms : #C atom?

Answer 1

Atomic mass of carbon- 12

Atomic mass of nitrogen- 14

Let the biomass be W in weight.

Weight of carbon= 50% of W= 0.5W

Weight of nitrogen = 15% of W= 0.15W

Now no of atoms of carbon= weight of carbon/ atomic mass of carbon × 6.023× 10^23

No of atoms nitrogen= weight of nitrogen/ atomic mass of nitrogen × Na( Avogadro number)

No of atoms of N= 0.15W/14= 0.01071W × Na

No of atoms of C= 0.5W/ 12 × Na= 0.0416W × Na

Ratio of N:C atoms= 0.0107/0.0416

Ratio of N:C atoms= 107/416

If you like my answer please upvote