A metal oxide with the empirical formula X O is found to contain 47.1 ,% oxygen by mass
CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · A Level · Chemistry · Amount of substance · Amount of substance
Problem
A metal oxide with the empirical formula X2O3 is found to contain 47.1\,% oxygen by mass.
Chemists wish to determine the identity of element X and to rationalize the charge on X in the oxide lattice.
(a) Calculate the atomic mass of X from the given mass percent composition.
(b) Use the calculated atomic mass to identify the element X.
(c) Predict the sign and magnitude of the ionic charge carried by X in X2O3, and explain how this prediction is consistent with the group number of the element.
(d) Discuss how the stoichiometry of X2O3 supports the concept of charge neutrality in ionic compounds, making specific reference to the oxide anion.