Determine the chemical formula of each compound and then use it to calculate the mass percent composition of each constituent element. d. cobalt(II) bromide

Key Concepts

Chemical Formula

A chemical formula represents the composition of a compound, indicating the types and numbers of atoms present. For cobalt(II) bromide, the formula is CoBr2, which shows that each formula unit contains one cobalt atom and two bromine atoms. Understanding how to derive the formula from the compound's name is essential for further calculations.

Mass Percent Composition

Mass percent composition is a way to express the relative amounts of each element in a compound as a percentage of the total mass. It is calculated by dividing the mass of each element in one mole of the compound by the molar mass of the compound, then multiplying by 100. This concept is crucial for determining how much of each element contributes to the overall mass of the compound.

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 the chemical formula. For cobalt(II) bromide, the molar mass is essential for calculating the mass percent composition, as it provides the total mass needed for the percentage calculations.