Final answer:
The percent composition of nitrogen in Li3N is calculated by dividing the molar mass of nitrogen by the molar mass of the compound and multiplying by 100. The correct calculation results in approximately 40.2%, which is not among the provided answer choices, implying a possible error in the question or options.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the percent composition of nitrogen in Li3N, we need to find the molar mass of the compound and the molar mass of the nitrogen within it. The atomic weights of Lithium (Li) and Nitrogen (N) are approximately 6.94 g/mol and 14.01 g/mol, respectively. Lithium has three atoms in Li3N and nitrogen has one atom.
The molar mass of Li3N is calculated as:
- (3 × 6.94 g/mol) + (1 × 14.01 g/mol)
- (20.82 g/mol) + (14.01 g/mol)
- 34.83 g/mol
Next, to find the percent of nitrogen in Li3N, divide the molar mass of nitrogen by the total molar mass of the compound and multiply by 100:
(14.01 g/mol / 34.83 g/mol) × 100 = 40.2%
This is not one of the answer choices provided, indicating a possible error in the question or the options presented. Therefore, based on the calculations performed, none of the options (a, b, c, d) correctly represents the percent of nitrogen in Li3N.