If a sample of ammonium sulfate contains 1.75 grams of nitrogen [N] atoms, calculate the mass (in grams) it contains of sulfur atoms [S].
We have (NH4)2SO4 contg 1.75 g N atoms.
1.75 g N atoms = ? mols N atoms
That's mol = g/molar mass = 1.75/14 = approx 0.125.
There are 2 mol N atoms in 1 mo (NH4)2SO4; therefore, we must have 0.1235/2 = mols (NH4)2SO4 = approx 0.0625.
Since there is 1 mol S in 1 mol (NH4)2SO4 then we must have 0.0625 mols S. Then g = mols S x atomic mass S = ? grams.
To calculate the mass of sulfur atoms in ammonium sulfate, we need to use the molar ratio between nitrogen and sulfur in the compound. Ammonium sulfate has the chemical formula (NH4)2SO4.
Step 1: Find the molar mass of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S).
- Nitrogen (N): The molar mass of N is approximately 14.01 grams per mole (g/mol).
- Sulfur (S): The molar mass of S is approximately 32.07 g/mol.
Step 2: Calculate the moles of nitrogen (N).
To calculate the number of moles of nitrogen, divide the given mass of nitrogen by the molar mass of nitrogen (N).
Moles of N = Mass of N / Molar mass of N
Moles of N = 1.75 g / 14.01 g/mol
Moles of N ≈ 0.125 mol
Step 3: Use the molar ratio from the balanced chemical equation.
The balanced chemical equation for ammonium sulfate is:
(NH4)2SO4 ↔ 2NH3 + H2SO4
From the balanced chemical equation, we see that the ratio between nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) is 1:1.
Step 4: Calculate the mass of sulfur (S).
Since the ratio between nitrogen and sulfur is 1:1, the moles of sulfur will be the same as the moles of nitrogen.
Moles of S ≈ Moles of N ≈ 0.125 mol
Step 5: Calculate the mass of sulfur (S).
To calculate the mass of sulfur, multiply the moles of sulfur by the molar mass of sulfur (S).
Mass of S = Moles of S × Molar mass of S
Mass of S = 0.125 mol × 32.07 g/mol
Mass of S ≈ 4.01 g
Therefore, the sample of ammonium sulfate contains approximately 4.01 grams of sulfur atoms.