Question

Calculate the mass percent of oxygen in carbon dioxide

Answer 1

first calculate the molecular weight of CO2

in CO2 no of Carbons = 1 x C = 12.01

and no of oxygens = 2 xO = 2x 16 = 32

so now molecular weight of CO2 = 12.01 + 32 = 44.01

Now, to know the mass percent of Carbon and Oxygen in CO2 .We have to divide their weight with the total weight of CO2.

for % C = 12.01/44.01 = 0.2729 x100 = 27.29% (we have to multipli 0.2729 with 100 to take the percentage of carbon).

similiarly for % O = 32.00/44.01 =0.7271 x100 =72.71 %

so answer is 72.71