Answer :
Final answer:
To find out how many grams of potassium chloride are needed to provide 9 mEq of potassium, a proportion is used based on the fact that 10 grams provide 20 mEq, which results in 4.5 grams of KCl needed.
Explanation:
To calculate the grams of potassium chloride (KCl) needed to provide 9 mEq of potassium, we use a proportion based on the given information that a 10 gram packet provides 20 mEq of potassium. We set up the following equation:
10 g KCl / 20 mEq = x g KCl / 9 mEq
Solving for x gives us:
x = (10 g KCl × 9 mEq) / 20 mEq
x = 90 g·mEq / 20 mEq
x = 4.5 g KCl
Therefore, 4.5 grams of potassium chloride would provide 9 mEq of potassium.