What is the percent composition of #K_3PO_4#?

1 Answer
Angela L. · Grace
May 22, 2016

#%K# = #55.26%#
#%P# = #14.59%#
#%O# = #30.15%#

Explanation:

Percentage composition of a particular molecule is usually in regard to one element within the molecule.

To work out the percentage composition of a particular molecule, we look at the percentage of the whole weight of the molecule that the specific element takes up.

The working:
Atomic mass:
#K# = #39.10#
#P# = #30.97#
#O# = #16.00#
Molecular mass of #K_3PO_4# = #(39.10xx3)+30.97+(16.00xx4)# = #212.27#

#%K# = #[(3xx39.10)/212.27]xx100=55.26%#
#%P# = #(30.97/212.27)xx100=14.59%#
#%O# = #[(4xx16.00)/212.27]xx100=30.15%#

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