How do you determine the mass of potassium in 33.5 g of KCl?

To determine the mass of potassium (K) in 33.5 g of potassium chloride (KCl), you would need to understand the compound’s composition and use its molar mass. The quick calculation involves the following formula:

Mass of Potassium (K) = Mass of KCL Molar Mass of KMolar Mass of KCL

For KCl, the molar mass is 74.55 g/mol (K: 39.10 g/mol, Cl: 35.45 g/mol). By substituting values, we can calculate the mass of potassium in 33.5 g of KCl.

Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Understand the Composition of KCl:

Potassium chloride (KCl) is a binary ionic compound composed of potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl) in a 1:1 molar ratio. The molar mass of KCl is obtained by adding the atomic masses of K and Cl:

Molar Mass of KCL = 39.10 g/mol +34.45 g/mol =74.55 g/mol

2. Calculate the Fraction of Potassium in KCl:

The percentage of potassium in KCl is given by:

Fraction of K = Molar Mass of KMolar Mass of KCL = 39.1074.55 0.524

This means potassium constitutes approximately 52.4% of the mass of KCl.

3. Apply the Formula:

To find the mass of potassium in 33.5 g of KCl, multiply the total mass of KCl by the fraction of potassium:

Mass of K = 33.5 g 0.524 17.54 g

The mass of potassium in 33.5 g of KCl is approximately 17.54 g. This calculation is essential in analytical chemistry, especially when determining the elemental composition of compounds in reactions or industrial processes. 

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