Question

Calculate the mass percent of calcium, phosphorus and oxygen in calcium phosphate \[\ce{Ca3(PO4)2}\].

Answer 1

Molecular mass of \[\ce{Ca3(PO4)2}\] = 310.18 g/mole

Given mass of calcium = 4 × 30 = 120 g

Given mass of phosphorous = 31 × 2 = 62 g

Given mass of oxygen = 16 × 8 = 128 g

Mass percent of calcium = `120/310.18 xx 100` = 38.71%

Mass percent of phosphorous = `62/310.18 xx 100` = 20%

Mass percent of oxygen = `128/310.18 xx 100` = 41.29%