The percent composition of a component in a compound is the percent of the total mass of the compound that is due to that component. To calculate the percent composition of a component in a compound:
1. Find the molar mass of the compound by adding up the masses of each atom I n the compound using the periodic table or a molecular mass calculator.
2. Calculate the mass due to the component in the compound you are for which you are solving by adding up the mass of these atoms.
3. Divide the mass due to the component by the total molar mass of the compound and multiply by 100.
Percent composition=mass due to specific component/ total molar mass of compound *100
For example, find the percent composition of carbon in C6H12O6!
Molar mass of compound: 6(12.01)+12(1.01)+6(16.00)=180 g/mol
Mass due to carbon: 6(12.01)=72.06 g/mol
Percent composition of carbon: 72.06g/mol/180g/mol*100= 40.0%
Percent composition leads to empirical formulas and empirical formulas are the smallest ratio of atoms found in a compound.
