By usual analysis, of compound (X) gave of magnesium pyrophosphate. The percentage of phosphorus in compound (X) is : \hspace{1cm} (nearest integer) (Given, molar mass in ; O = , Mg = , P = )
- A
- B
- C
- D
By usual analysis, of compound (X) gave of magnesium pyrophosphate. The percentage of phosphorus in compound (X) is : \hspace{1cm} (nearest integer) (Given, molar mass in ; O = , Mg = , P = )
Correct answer:D
Standard Method
Given: Mass of compound (X) = and mass of magnesium pyrophosphate formed = .
Find: Percentage of phosphorus in compound (X).
Phosphorus is estimated by converting it into magnesium pyrophosphate, . The phosphorus content is obtained from the stoichiometry of this product.
Molar mass of is
Mass of phosphorus present in of is
Therefore,
Now evaluating,
The nearest integer is . Therefore, the correct option is D.
Stoichiometric Factor Approach
Given: The stoichiometric factor for phosphorus in is
Find: Percentage of phosphorus in of compound (X).
Mass of phosphorus in of is
Hence percentage of phosphorus in the compound is
So the percentage of phosphorus is , and the correct option is D.
Using the molar mass of phosphorus as instead of is incorrect because contains two phosphorus atoms. Always account for the full formula of the precipitate.
Taking the molar mass of incorrectly leads to a wrong percentage. Use the given atomic masses and calculate carefully.
Forgetting to divide by the mass of the original compound is wrong because percentage composition must be based on the sample taken. Here the denominator is , not .
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