Determining Sample Size for Conversion to Ag2S

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the appropriate sample size for a mineral sample based on its sulfur content, specifically in the context of converting sulfur to silver sulfide (Ag2S). The focus is on the relationship between the mass of the sample and the resulting mass of Ag2S, with participants exploring how to set up the problem mathematically.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the sample size should be standardized so that the mass of Ag2S produced is equal to four times the percent sulfur in the sample.
  • Another participant proposes letting the sulfur content be represented as x% and the mass of the sample as m, leading to a mathematical expression for the mass of sulfur in the sample.
  • A subsequent participant questions how to determine the mass of the sample without knowing the mass of Ag2S produced.
  • Another reply encourages assuming a mass "m" and writing an expression for the mass of sulfur in terms of x and m.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus, as participants express uncertainty about how to proceed with the calculations and the relationships between the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not yet established specific values or relationships, and there are unresolved mathematical steps regarding the conversion from sulfur content to Ag2S mass.

higherme
Messages
126
Reaction score
0
Sometimes, when repeated assays are to be performed, the sample size is standardized and chosen such that the ultimately measured quantigy is numerically equivalent to some other desired proportionate quantity.

suppose the sulfur content of a mineral sample is determined by complete conversion to Ag2S(s) what mass of sample must be chosen so that the number of grams of Ag2S obtained is equal to 4 times the percent sulfur in the sample??


i don't know where do start...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Begin here: Let the sample contain x% of sulfur (S) and have a mass m. Then the mass of S in the sample is ...
 
how do i find mass if i don't know how much Ag2S i have?
 
Assume the mass is "m" and write down an expression for the mass of S in terms of x and m.
 

Similar threads

Modern Digital Audio: Understanding Dither and Oversampling in Hi-Res Age
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
6K
Undergrad Correlation vs causation in biology/biochemistry
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Graduate Serial correlation coefficient (random data)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Checking Answers of Chemistry Assignment
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
Challenge Ready for a Summer Math Challenge?
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
13K
Formation of Silver Nanoparticles from Green Tea Reducing Equivalents
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Chemically regenerating my auto's catalytic converter?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
10K
Programs How good is this applied math program?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Graduate Macroscopic systems in the quantum theory book by Asher Peres
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Schools How well does this course prepare me for college math?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K