What is the percent composition of K_3PO_4?

1 Answer
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%