Problem 87 - Introductory Chemistry Atoms First

Question

Tin, Sn, and oxygen can combine to form two different compounds called oxides. Oxide A contains \(78.77 \%\) by mass tin. Oxide B contains \(88.12 \%\) by mass tin. What is the percent by mass of oxygen in each oxide?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The percent by mass of oxygen in oxide A is \(21.23\%\) and in oxide B is \(11.88\%\).

Step 1: Percent by mass of tin in oxide A

Given percentage of tin in oxide A: \(78.77\% \)

Step 2: Percent by mass of oxygen in oxide A

The sum of the percent by mass of tin and oxygen equals \(100\% \). To find the percentage of oxygen in oxide A, subtract the given percentage of tin from 100%. Oxygen % in Oxide A = \(100\% - 78.77\% = 21.23\% \)

Step 3: Percent by mass of tin in oxide B

Given percentage of tin in oxide B: \(88.12\% \)

Step 4: Percent by mass of oxygen in oxide B

As before, to find the percentage of oxygen in oxide B, subtract the given percentage of tin from 100%. Oxygen % in Oxide B = \(100\% - 88.12\% = 11.88\% \)

Step 5: Results

The percent by mass of oxygen in oxide A is: \(21.23\% \) The percent by mass of oxygen in oxide B is: \(11.88\% \)

Key Concepts

Percent Composition

When studying chemical compounds, percent composition is a handy concept. It shows the percentage of each element within a compound. This helps us to understand how much of each element is present relative to the entire compound. In our example with tin oxides, the percent composition helps us determine how much tin and oxygen are in each oxide.
By knowing the composition, we can compare how different elements come together in various ways to form distinct compounds.

Tin Oxides

Tin oxides are chemical compounds that consist of tin (Sn) and oxygen (O) atoms bonded together. Tin can form multiple oxide compounds by combining with oxygen in varying ratios. This leads to the creation of distinct compounds with different chemical properties and compositions.
Oxide A and oxide B are examples of such tin oxides, where the proportion of tin and oxygen differs between them. These variations enable different uses and behaviors in chemical processes.

Mass Percentage

The mass percentage is a way to express a component's makeup in a compound. It's a mathematical calculation showing the mass of one element compared to the total mass of the compound.
To find oxygen's mass percentage from the given data about tin oxides, you take the total mass percentage (100%) and subtract the known percentage of the other element (tin). For example, in oxide A, the mass percentage of oxygen is calculated as: \(100\% - 78.77\% = 21.23\%\). This tells us how much of the compound's mass comes from oxygen.

Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas represent the specific arrangement and quantity of atoms in a chemical compound. They serve as a shorthand way to represent the compound's structure and composition.
Understanding the percent composition of elements, like in tin oxides, can aid in determining the empirical formula of a compound.
Empirical formulas reflect the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound and can be deduced from mass percentages. For instance, if we know tin and oxygen percentages in oxides, we can calculate their ratios and predict the chemical formula of the compound.