How Do I Calculate the Correct Percent Composition of Oxygen in a Compound?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the percent composition of oxygen in a compound consisting of SiO2, Na2, K2O, and PbO. Participants explore different methods for determining the oxygen percentage based on given mass percentages of the components.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the total oxygen contribution using the formula: 0.46 SiO2 * (2 mol O / 1 mol SiO2) + 0.04 K2O * (1 mol O / 1 mol K2O) + 0.45 PbO * (1 mol O / 1 mol PbO), resulting in 141% oxygen composition, expressing confusion about the outcome.
  • Another participant suggests an alternative calculation method that involves using fractions of oxygen per oxide, proposing a result of 55.2% for the percent composition of oxygen.
  • A different approach is proposed, where participants consider calculating the total mass of oxygen based on atomic masses and dividing by the total mass of the compound.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the initial method of adding contributions directly is incorrect due to the different amounts of oxygen in each oxide, suggesting a more structured approach using assumed total mass for clarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing methods for calculating the percent composition of oxygen, with no consensus on the best approach. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore various calculations and reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached agreement on the correct method for calculating the percent composition, and there are indications of confusion regarding the application of stoichiometric principles and the handling of different oxides.

limofunder
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Homework Statement


I am running an experiment in which I have a compound of SiO2 Na2 K2O PbO I am trying to figure out the percent composition of oxygen given that the percent composition of the compound is:
46% SiO2
5% Na2
4% K2O
and 45% PbO

Homework Equations



46% SiO2
5% Na2
4% K2O
and 45% PbO

The Attempt at a Solution


So I figured given the previous percentages, the compound is made of
[tex].46 SiO_2 * \frac{2 mol O }{1 mol SiO_2} + .04 K_2O * \frac{1 mol O}{1 mol K_2O} + .45 PbO * \frac{1 mol O}{1 mol PbO} = .46*2+.04+.45 = 1.41[/tex]

but this gives me 141% oxygen composition, what am I doing wrong here? Its been a while since I took general chem (about 3 years ago) and my stoichiometry is not at its best right now.
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would it be more correct to say that the percent composition of oxygen is:

[tex]0.46* \frac{2}{3}O + .04* \frac{1}{2}O+ 0.45* \frac{1}{2}O[/tex]
= .5516 = 55.2%?
 
or would it be easier if I do the calculation by breaking it down into atomic masses, add the total of oxygen mass divided by the total mass of the compound?
 
thanks fellas, once again, couldn't have done it without yall.
 
limofunder said:
[tex].46 SiO_2 * \frac{2 mol O }{1 mol SiO_2} + .04 K_2O * \frac{1 mol O}{1 mol K_2O} + .45 PbO * \frac{1 mol O}{1 mol PbO} = .46*2+.04+.45 = 1.41[/tex]

but this gives me 141% oxygen composition, what am I doing wrong here?

You are adding apples and oranges. Each of these oxides contains different amount of oxygen (mass of oxygen per mass of the oxide), you can't add them this way. As you have already (and correctly) noticed, that gives idiotic results (percentage above 100%).

Your last approach is correct. Think this way: SiO2 is 46% of the substance. Assume you start with 100 g of the substance. How many grams of SiO2? How many grams of O in these grams of SiO2? (That's where the molar masses come into play).
 

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