How do I determine the percent of a compound in an impure sample?
Pretty general question.
%X = (mass X/mass sample)*100 = ?
To determine the percent of a compound in an impure sample, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Obtain the mass of the impure sample: Weigh the entire impure sample using an analytical balance and record its mass.
2. Find the mass of the compound of interest: Use a suitable method to separate the compound you want to assess from the impurities present in the sample. This can include techniques such as filtration, extraction, or distillation, depending on the nature of the impurities and compound. Once you have isolated the compound, determine its mass using an analytical balance.
3. Calculate the percent of the compound: Divide the mass of the compound by the mass of the impure sample, then multiply by 100 to obtain the percentage. The formula is:
Percentage = (Mass of compound / Mass of impure sample) x 100
For example, if the mass of the impure sample is 10 grams and the mass of the compound is 2 grams, the percentage of the compound would be:
Percentage = (2 g / 10 g) x 100 = 20%
Remember to use the same unit of measurement (grams, in this case) for both masses.