Chemical arithmetics: Answers not matching

[wirefree]

Question: 2.0 g of a mixture of Na₂CO₃ and NaHCO₃ was heated when its weight reduced to 1.876 g. Determine the percentage composition of the mixture.


Attempt: Here is my attempt:

Problem: My answers do not match those of the text. More critically, the procedure I've adopted is itself inconsistent with that outlined in the text: the "its" in the first line of the problem statement is interpreted in the text as the mass of Na₂O alone, whereas I am considering it to be the combined mass of the products (see first 2 lines - chemical reactions - of my attempt above).

Whose interpretation is correct?

Would appreciate some thoughts.


wirefree

 

[wirefree]

For those discouraged to answer, I've removed links to images in my original post and inserted the appropriate image instead.

Regards,
wirefree

 

[Borek]

I don't get the light blue comment nor the equation after it.

Think again: what are the reactions taking place and what are the final products?

 

[epenguin]

Question: 2.0 g of a mixture of Na₂CO₃ and NaHCO₃ was heated when its weight reduced to 1.876 g. Determine the percentage composition of the mixture.Attempt: Here is my attempt:

Problem: My answers do not match those of the text. More critically, the procedure I've adopted is itself inconsistent with that outlined in the text: the "its" in the first line of the problem statement is interpreted in the text as the mass of Na₂O alone, whereas I am considering it to be the combined mass of the products (see first 2 lines - chemical reactions - of my attempt above).

Whose interpretation is correct?

Would appreciate some thoughts.wirefree

Not gone through. Unfortunate fact: someone else's arithmetic is as attracting as someone else's unmade bed. Despite your colouring etc. is thoughtful and helpful and as good as it gets!

However I noticed that in your first equation Na₂CO₃ went to Na₂O. In the second you show Na₂CO₃ as a product that just stays there. Why wouldn't that also go to Na₂O ?

 

[DeeNos]

: It is important to clarify the language and units used in the problem to ensure accurate answers. In this case, the question states "weight reduced to 1.876 g" which could mean either the total weight of the mixture or just the weight of Na2O. However, based on the given information, it is likely that the 1.876 g refers to the total weight of the products, which includes Na2O and CO2. Therefore, it would be more accurate to interpret "its weight" as the total weight of the products, not just Na2O. This would result in a different calculation and percentage composition compared to your attempt. It is important to carefully read and interpret all information given in a problem to ensure accurate solutions.