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 ?