Calculating the composition of vapor in mass percent

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the composition of vapor in mass percent from a solution containing 50.0g of heptane (C7H16) and 50.0g of octane (C8H18) at 25°C. The vapor pressures of pure heptane and octane at this temperature are 45.8 torr and 10.9 torr, respectively. The partial pressures calculated are 24.4 torr for heptane and 5.09 torr for octane, leading to a total pressure of 29.49 torr. The challenge lies in determining the mass percent composition of the vapor phase, which can be derived from the mole fractions of the components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Raoult's Law for vapor pressure calculations
  • Knowledge of mole fraction and its application in gas mixtures
  • Familiarity with mass percent calculations
  • Basic concepts of ideal gas behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Raoult's Law and its implications in vapor pressure calculations
  • Learn how to calculate mole fractions from partial pressures
  • Explore mass percent calculations in gas mixtures
  • Investigate the ideal gas law and its applications in vapor pressure scenarios
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Chemistry students, particularly those studying physical chemistry or thermodynamics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of vapor pressure and composition calculations.

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Homework Statement



Here's the question form the text. (I have the answer, but don't know how to do part c.
"A solution contains 50.0g of heptane (C7H16) and 50.0g of octane (C8H18) at 25 C. the vapor pressures of pure heptane and pure octane at 25 C are 45.8 torr and 10.9 torr, respectively. assuming ideal behavior, calculate each of the following:
a) vapor pressure of each of the solution components in the mixture
b) the total pressure above the solution
c)the composition of the vapor in mass percent.

the answer to a is: Pressure of C7H16: 24.4 torr
Pressure of C8H18: 5.09 torr

b) total pressure is: 29.49 torr.

I have no idea how to go about part c. Any help is appreciated.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Remember that the partial pressure of a gas is directly proportional to the concentration of the gas. You know the fraction of the total pressure that the partial pressure of each substance comprises, which is equal to the mole fraction of each gas. You can then convert this into the mass percent of each gas.
 

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