High School

How do we find the percent composition of limestone?

A. By dividing the mass of limestone by its volume
B. By dividing the mass of each element in limestone by the total mass of limestone
C. By dividing the volume of limestone by its mass
D. By multiplying the mass of limestone by its volume

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:

  1. Mass of calcium in limestone: 40 g
  2. Mass of carbon in limestone: 12 g
  3. Mass of oxygen in limestone: 16 g
  4. Total mass of limestone: 100 g
  5. Percent composition of calcium = (40 / 100) * 100% = 40%
  6. Percent composition of carbon = (12 / 100) * 100% = 12%
  7. Percent composition of oxygen = (16 / 100) * 100% = 16%