Question

1. calcium phosphate, ca₃(po₄)₂, has a molar mass of 310.174 g/mol. determine the percent composition of phosphorus in ca₃(po₄)₂ to the hundredth place. in your response, explain the steps and math you used to find your answer. be sure to include evidence from your calculations.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the number of phosphorus atoms

In $Ca_3(PO_4)_2$, there are 2 phosphorus (P) atoms.

Step2: Find the molar - mass of phosphorus

The molar mass of a single P atom is approximately 30.97 g/mol. So the total molar - mass of P in $Ca_3(PO_4)_2$ is $2\times30.97 = 61.94$ g/mol.

Step3: Calculate the percent composition of phosphorus

The percent composition of an element in a compound is given by the formula $\text{Percent composition}=\frac{\text{Molar mass of element in compound}}{\text{Molar mass of compound}}\times100\%$.
Substitute the values: $\text{Percent composition of P}=\frac{61.94}{310.174}\times 100\%$.
$\text{Percent composition of P}\approx 19.97\%$.

Answer:

19.97%