By usual analysis, 1.00 g of compound (X) gave 1.79 g of magnesium pyrophosphate. The percentage of phosphorus in compound (X) is: (nearest integer)
(Given, molar mass in g mol−1: O = 16, Mg = 24, P = 31)
Answer: C
- Determine the molar mass of magnesium pyrophosphate (Mg2P2O7). Given
M=2(24)+2(31)+7(16)=48+62+112=222 g/mol
- Determine the mass of phosphorus per mole. Since there are 2 P atoms per formula unit,
m(P)=2×31=62 g per 222 g Mg2P2O7
- Scale to the actual mass obtained (1.79 g). Given
m(P)=22262×1.79≈0.4999 g
- Calculate the percentage of phosphorus in the 1.00 g compound sample:
%P=1.000.4999×100≈49.99%≈50%
Hence, the answer is option C.