STUDENT SPACE · TOPIC 4
Composition and purity
Calculate percentage composition and purity, then choose the correct mass in a reaction.
The essentials
- Find the mass contribution of the chosen element in the formula.
- Divide by the total relative mass and multiply by 100.
- Ca contributes 40 to a total of 100.
- Percentage of Ca = (40 ÷ 100) × 100 = 40%.
Key vocabulary
| English | Chinese |
|---|
| percentage composition | 质量分数 |
| purity | 纯度 |
| impurity | 杂质 |
Quick practice
Try each question before opening its hint or answer. Use paper for calculations and diagrams.
Question 1
Does 80% purity mean 80 g of pure substance in every sample?
Need a hint for Question 1?
Use the relationships above and check particle ratios and units.
Check Question 1
No. It means 80 g in each 100 g of sample, or a pure-mass fraction of 0.80.
Question 2
Calculate the percentage nitrogen in NH₄NO₃. Aᵣ: N = 14, H = 1, O = 16.
Need a hint for Question 2?
Count both nitrogen atoms and divide by total formula mass.
Check Question 2
Mᵣ = 80; nitrogen contribution = 28. Nitrogen = 28/80 × 100 = 35%.
Question 3
A 12 g sample contains 9 g pure salt. Calculate its purity and the impurity mass.
Need a hint for Question 3?
Purity is pure-substance mass divided by sample mass.
Check Question 3
Purity = 9/12 × 100 = 75%; impurity = 12 − 9 = 3 g.
Use Lesson 4 in your worksheet for written practice. Your teacher will discuss those answers in class.
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