To calculate the total impurity percentage in a sample, you need to determine what proportion of the sample's mass is made up of impurities. This is done by dividing the mass of the impurities by the mass of the total sample and then multiplying by 100 to express the result as a percentage.
Here's the formula:
Impurity Percentage = (Mass of Impurities / Mass of Sample) x 100%
This formula is directly derived from the provided reference: "...to calculate an impurity percentage, we need to divide the mass of the impurities by the mass of the sample then multiply by 100 percent."
Steps to Calculate Total Impurity Percentage:
- Determine the Mass of Impurities: This is the combined mass of all the unwanted substances in your sample.
- Determine the Mass of the Sample: This is the total mass of everything in your sample, including both the desired substance and the impurities.
- Divide the Mass of Impurities by the Mass of the Sample: This gives you the proportion of the sample that is made up of impurities.
- Multiply by 100%: This converts the proportion into a percentage.
Example:
Let's say you have a sample with a total mass of 50 grams. After analysis, you determine that 2 grams of the sample are impurities. Here's how you would calculate the impurity percentage:
Impurity Percentage = (2 grams / 50 grams) x 100% = 4%
Therefore, the total impurity percentage in the sample is 4%.
