Answer to Question #285663 in Chemistry for ila

Question

Zinc reacts with element X to form a compound used as rat poison. In a chemical analysis, it is found that 3.90g zinc combines with 1.24g X to form the compound with empirical formula Zn3X2. Determine the relative atomic mass of element X.

[Relative atomic mass: Zn, 65]

Answer 1

Solution:

Calculate the moles of Zn:

The molar mass of Zn is 65 g/mol

Therefore,

(3.90 g Zn) × (1 mol Zn / 65 g Zn) = 0.06 mol Zn

Balanced chemical equation:

3Zn + 2X → Zn₃X₂

According to stoichiometry:

3 moles of Zn reacts with 2 moles of X

Thus 0.06 moles of Zn reacts with:

(0.06 mol Zn) × (2 mol X / 3 mol Zn) = 0.04 mol X

Calculate the relative atomic mass of element X:

(1.24 g X) / (0.04 mol X) = 31 g/mol - phosphorus (P)

Zn₃X₂ = Zn₃P₂

The relative atomic mass of element X is 31

Answer: The relative atomic mass of element X is 31