Determine the chemical formula of each compound and then use it to calculate the mass percent composition of each constituent element. c. sulfurous acid

Key Concepts

Chemical Formula

A chemical formula represents the composition of a compound, indicating the types and numbers of atoms present. For sulfurous acid, the formula is H2SO3, which shows it contains two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and three oxygen atoms. Understanding how to derive and interpret chemical formulas is essential for further calculations in chemistry.

Mass Percent Composition

Mass percent composition is a way to express the relative amount 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 sulfurous acid, the molar mass is derived from the atomic masses of hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen, which is necessary for calculating mass percent composition accurately.