The equivalent weight of zinc is found by dividing its atomic weight by its valence, which is its combining power.
Here's a breakdown:
Understanding Equivalent Weight
The equivalent weight of an element is the mass of that element that combines with or displaces 1.008 grams of hydrogen or 8 grams of oxygen. It’s a crucial concept in stoichiometry, especially when working with chemical reactions.
According to the reference, "the equivalent mass of an element = atomic mass of element divided by its valence (combining power)."
Calculation for Zinc
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Identify the Atomic Mass of Zinc: The atomic mass of zinc is approximately 65.38 atomic mass units (amu).
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Determine Zinc's Valency: Zinc exists as Zn+2, which means it has a valence of 2. This indicates that it can form two chemical bonds.
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Apply the Formula:
- Equivalent weight = Atomic mass / Valency
- Equivalent weight of zinc = 65.38 / 2
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Calculate the Result:
- Equivalent weight of zinc = 32.69
Summary Table
| Element | Atomic Mass | Valence | Equivalent Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc (Zn) | 65.38 | 2 | 32.69 |
Key Points
- The valence of an element is the number of hydrogen atoms or their equivalent that can combine with one atom of the element.
- Equivalent weight is used to understand the combining capacity of a substance in chemical reactions.
- For zinc, since its valency is 2, we simply divide its atomic mass by 2 to get the equivalent mass.
Therefore, the equivalent weight of zinc is 32.69.
