An analysis for copper was performed on two pure solids. One solid was found to contain 43.0% copper; the other contained 32.0% copper. Could these solids be samples of the same copper-containing compound?

no

Yes

Maybe

To determine if the two solids could be samples of the same copper-containing compound, we need to compare their copper percentages. If the percentage of copper is the same in both solids, it is more likely that they are samples of the same compound.

Here's how you can calculate the molecular formula mass using the copper percentages:

1. Assume we have 100 grams of each solid for easier calculation.

For the first solid:
- Mass of copper = 43.0 grams (43.0% of 100 grams)
- Mass of non-copper elements = 100g - 43.0g = 57.0 grams

For the second solid:
- Mass of copper = 32.0 grams (32.0% of 100 grams)
- Mass of non-copper elements = 100g - 32.0g = 68.0 grams

2. Calculate the number of moles for each element.

Using the periodic table, we can find the atomic mass of copper (Cu) to be approximately 63.55 g/mol. To simplify the calculation, we assume that copper is the only element in the solids, so we don't need to consider the non-copper elements.

For the first solid:
- Moles of copper = 43.0g / 63.55g/mol ≈ 0.6771 moles

For the second solid:
- Moles of copper = 32.0g / 63.55g/mol ≈ 0.5038 moles

3. Compare the mole ratios.

Divide the mole of each solid by the smallest number of moles (0.5038 moles) to get the mole ratio of copper in each solid.

For the first solid:
- Mole ratio = 0.6771 moles / 0.5038 moles ≈ 1.345

For the second solid:
- Mole ratio = 0.5038 moles / 0.5038 moles = 1.0

4. Analyze the mole ratio.

Since the mole ratios are different (approximately 1.345 for the first solid and 1.0 for the second solid), it suggests that the solids are unlikely to be samples of the same copper-containing compound. The different mole ratios indicate that the compounds have different molecular formulas or different ratios of copper to other elements.

Therefore, based on the analysis, the two solids are likely not samples of the same copper-containing compound.