Answer :
Final answer:
To find the percent composition of limestone, divide the mass of each element in limestone by the total mass of the compound. Example calculations are provided.
Explanation:
Percent Composition
The percent composition of a compound is determined by dividing the mass of each element in the compound by the total mass of the compound and multiplying by 100%. For limestone, you would find the mass of calcium, carbon, and oxygen individually, then divide by the total mass of limestone.
Calculation Example:
- Mass of calcium in limestone: 40 g
- Mass of carbon in limestone: 12 g
- Mass of oxygen in limestone: 16 g
- Total mass of limestone: 100 g
- Percent composition of calcium = (40 / 100) * 100% = 40%
- Percent composition of carbon = (12 / 100) * 100% = 12%
- Percent composition of oxygen = (16 / 100) * 100% = 16%