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Ch.2 - Atoms & Elements
Chapter 2, Problem 97

The ratio of oxygen to carbon by mass in carbon monoxide is 1.33:1.00. Find the formula of an oxide of carbon in which the ratio by mass of oxygen to carbon is 2.00:1.00.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Molar Mass

Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, typically expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all atoms in a chemical formula. Understanding molar mass is essential for converting between mass and moles, which is crucial for determining the ratios of elements in compounds.
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Molar Mass Concept

Mass Ratio

The mass ratio of elements in a compound is the ratio of the mass of one element to the mass of another element. In this context, it helps to compare the relative amounts of carbon and oxygen in carbon monoxide and the desired oxide. This concept is fundamental for deriving the empirical formula based on the given mass ratios.
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Neutron-Proton Ratio

Empirical Formula

The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound. It is derived from the mass ratios of the elements and is crucial for identifying the composition of a compound. In this question, finding the empirical formula of the oxide of carbon requires applying the mass ratio of oxygen to carbon to determine the correct subscripts in the formula.
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