The chemical formula for sodium sulfate is Na2SO4, which means it contains two sodium (Na) atoms, one sulfur (S) atom, and four oxygen (O) atoms.
To calculate the mass percent of each element in sodium sulfate, you need to determine the molar mass of the compound first. Then, you can find the mass percent of each element using its contribution to the total molar mass.
The molar mass of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) is calculated as follows:
- Sodium (Na) has a molar mass of approximately 22.99 g/mol.
- Sulfur (S) has a molar mass of approximately 32.07 g/mol.
- Oxygen (O) has a molar mass of approximately 16.00 g/mol.
So, the molar mass of Na2SO4 is:
2(Na) + 1(S) + 4(O) = 2(22.99 g/mol) + 32.07 g/mol + 4(16.00 g/mol) = 45.98 g/mol + 32.07 g/mol + 64.00 g/mol = 142.05 g/mol
Now, let's calculate the mass percent of each element:
a) Sodium: (2 * 22.99 g/mol) / 142.05 g/mol * 100% = 32.26%
Oxygen: (4 * 16.00 g/mol) / 142.05 g/mol * 100% = 44.98%
b) Sodium: (2 * 22.99 g/mol) / 142.05 g/mol * 100% = 32.26%
Oxygen: (4 * 16.00 g/mol) / 142.05 g/mol * 100% = 44.98%
c) Sodium: (2 * 22.99 g/mol) / 142.05 g/mol * 100% = 32.26%
Oxygen: (4 * 16.00 g/mol) / 142.05 g/mol * 100% = 44.98%
d) Sodium: (2 * 22.99 g/mol) / 142.05 g/mol * 100% = 32.26%
Oxygen: (4 * 16.00 g/mol) / 142.05 g/mol * 100% = 44.98%
So, the correct option is b) Sodium: 32%, Oxygen: 68%.