Percent Composition

and Chemical

Formula
 Percent Composition

 Formula

% A = ( atomic mass of A) x (no. of atoms of A in the compound) x 100

formula or molecular mass of the compound

OR

% by mass = mass of element x 100

mass of compound
 
 Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) is commonly used as an
additive in the manufacture of glass, or as water
softener and neutralizer for chlorine in pools. It is
commonly known as soda ash or washing soda.
What are the percentages of each element in the
compound? (atomic masses: Na = 22.99 amu,
C=12.01 amu, O = 16.00 amu)
 
 Solution
formula mass of Na2CO3 = (atomic mass of Nax2)+ (atomic mass of Cx1)
+ (atomic mass of O x 3)

= ( 22.99 amu x 2) + ( 12.01 amu X 1)+ (16.00 amu x 3)

= 45.98 amu + 12.01 amu + 48.00
= 105.99 amu
 
% A = ( atomic mass of A) x (no. of atoms of A in the compound)
formula or molecular mass of the compound
% Na= 45.98 amu x 100% = 43.38 %
105.99 amu

% C = 12.01 amu x 100% = 11.33 %

105.99 amu

% O = 48.00 amu x 100% = 45.29 %

105.99 amu
PRACTICE EXERCISE
 Tartaric acid (C4H6O6) is naturally found in fruits like
grapes and banana. It is used in the food industry as a
leavening agent that gives a sour taste.

Determine the percent composition of each element
in the compound.