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What is the mass percent of different elements present in sodium sulphate?

Published in Chemical Composition 2 mins read

The mass percent of different elements in sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) are: sodium (Na) 32.39%, sulfur (S) 22.54%, and oxygen (O) 45.07%.

Calculating Mass Percent Composition of Sodium Sulfate (Na2SO4)

To determine the mass percent of each element in sodium sulfate, we need to know the molar mass of the compound and the individual atomic masses of each element present.

1. Determine the Molar Mass of Na2SO4

  • Sodium (Na): 2 atoms × 23.0 g/mol = 46.0 g/mol
  • Sulfur (S): 1 atom × 32.0 g/mol = 32.0 g/mol
  • Oxygen (O): 4 atoms × 16.0 g/mol = 64.0 g/mol

Molar mass of Na2SO4 = 46.0 g/mol + 32.0 g/mol + 64.0 g/mol = 142.0 g/mol

2. Calculate the Mass Percent of Each Element

The mass percent of an element is calculated using the following formula:

Mass percent = (Mass of element in 1 mole of compound / Molar mass of compound) × 100%

  • Sodium (Na):
    (46.0 g/mol / 142.0 g/mol) × 100% = 32.39%

  • Sulfur (S):
    (32.0 g/mol / 142.0 g/mol) × 100% = 22.54%

  • Oxygen (O):
    (64.0 g/mol / 142.0 g/mol) × 100% = 45.07%

Summary Table

Element Mass in Na2SO4 (g/mol) Mass Percent (%)
Sodium (Na) 46.0 32.39
Sulfur (S) 32.0 22.54
Oxygen (O) 64.0 45.07

Therefore, sodium sulfate is composed of 32.39% sodium, 22.54% sulfur, and 45.07% oxygen by mass.

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