College

What is the percent composition of sulfur in [tex]$H_2SO_4$[/tex]?

A) [tex]$65.2 \%$[/tex]
B) [tex]$32.7 \%$[/tex]
C) [tex]$2.1 \%$[/tex]
D) [tex]$98.1 \%$[/tex]

Answer :

To determine the percent composition of sulfur in [tex]\( H_2SO_4 \)[/tex], we can follow these steps:

1. Find the molar mass of each element in [tex]\( H_2SO_4 \)[/tex]:

- Hydrogen (H): There are 2 hydrogen atoms. The atomic mass of hydrogen is approximately 1.01 g/mol.
[tex]\[
\text{Total mass of H} = 2 \times 1.01 = 2.02 \, \text{g/mol}
\][/tex]

- Sulfur (S): There is 1 sulfur atom. The atomic mass of sulfur is approximately 32.07 g/mol.
[tex]\[
\text{Total mass of S} = 32.07 \, \text{g/mol}
\][/tex]

- Oxygen (O): There are 4 oxygen atoms. The atomic mass of oxygen is approximately 16.00 g/mol.
[tex]\[
\text{Total mass of O} = 4 \times 16.00 = 64.00 \, \text{g/mol}
\][/tex]

2. Calculate the total molar mass of [tex]\( H_2SO_4 \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[
\text{Molar mass of } H_2SO_4 = 2.02 + 32.07 + 64.00 = 98.09 \, \text{g/mol}
\][/tex]

3. Calculate the percent composition of sulfur in [tex]\( H_2SO_4 \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[
\text{Percent composition of S} = \left( \frac{\text{Molar mass of S}}{\text{Molar mass of } H_2SO_4} \right) \times 100
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
\text{Percent composition of S} = \left( \frac{32.07}{98.09} \right) \times 100 \approx 32.7\%
\][/tex]

So, the percent composition of sulfur in [tex]\( H_2SO_4 \)[/tex] is approximately 32.7%.

The correct answer is B) 32.7%.

Other Questions