What is the mass percentage of carbon in a CO2 molecule?

First we need to calculate the total mass of a CO2 molecule. This is done by summing up the individual masses of all the atoms. To find these, we look at the periodic table and see that the masses are C: 12 g/mol (amu) O: 16 g/mol (amu)Thus, the total mass of one CO2 molecule is 12+16x2 = 44 g/mol (amu)To find the percentage, we have to divide the mass of carbon (found in the molecule) by the total mass of the molecule, and multiply by 100:%C = 12*100/44 = 27.27%

Answered by Ana D. Chemistry tutor

3274 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?


What is a mole?


Explain why pure metals can be bent and shaped, whereas alloys cannot?


Give the pH of an alkaline solution


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences