Finding the unknown atomic mass of element X

In summary, an element (X) was found in three different substances (A, B, and C) with relative molecular masses of 25.80, 43.70, and 83.50 respectively. After elemental analysis, it was determined that A contained 92.3%, B contained 81.7%, and C contained 85.6% of X by mass. To determine the relative atomic mass of X, it would be necessary to find the mass of X in each substance, which can be done by assuming that substance A contains one atom of X per molecule. The allowed values for the number of atoms of X per molecule would need to be adjusted if they do not fit with the other values obtained.
  • #1
maiad
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Homework Statement


Suppose a nameless element (X) was found to occur in three different substances (A, B and C). The relative molecular masses of A, B, and C were found to be 25.80, 43.70 and 83.50 respectively, compared to an assigned value of exactly 2.00 for H2. Subsequently, these substances were subjected to elemental analysis and were found to contain 92.3%, 81.7% and 85.6% of X respectively by mass.

What is the (likely) relative atomic mass of X, on this scale

The Attempt at a Solution


What i did was i found the molecular mass of element X in each substance being 23.8g ,35.7g and 71.7g respective. But I'm not sure what to do after this point. Any hints?
 
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  • #2
What would be the mass, if you knew that substance A would contain exactly one atom of X per molecule? How would all allowed values (for 1, 2, 3, ... atoms per molecule) look like in that case?
If that assumption gives results which do not fit to your other values, how can you fix it?
 

What is the atomic mass of element X?

The atomic mass of element X is the average mass of all the isotopes of element X, taking into account their abundance in nature.

How is the atomic mass of element X determined?

The atomic mass of element X is determined through a process called mass spectrometry, which measures the mass-to-charge ratio of atoms in a sample. This data is then used to calculate the atomic mass of element X.

Why is it important to know the atomic mass of element X?

Knowing the atomic mass of element X is important for various reasons. It helps in identifying and classifying elements, predicting their chemical properties, and understanding their behavior in chemical reactions.

Can the atomic mass of element X change?

The atomic mass of element X is a constant value, as it is defined as the average mass of all the isotopes of element X. However, the abundance of different isotopes of element X can change, causing a slight variation in the atomic mass.

Where can I find the atomic mass of element X?

The atomic mass of element X can be found in the periodic table, as it is listed for each element. It can also be found in various chemistry reference books and online databases.

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