Question

Several important compounds contain only nitrogen and oxygen. Place the following compounds in order of increasing mass percent of nitrogen. a. NO, a gas formed by the reaction of \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\) with \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) in internal combustion engines b. \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\), a brown gas mainly responsible for the brownish color of photochemical smog c. \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\), a colorless liquid used as fuel in space shuttles d. \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}\), a colorless gas sometimes used as an anesthetic by dentists (known as laughing gas)

Short answer

The order of the compounds based on increasing mass percent of nitrogen is: NO₂ (30.45%), N₂O₄ (30.45%), NO (46.68%), and N₂O (63.62%).

Step-by-step solution

Determine the Molar Mass of Nitrogen and Oxygen

The first step is to determine the molar mass of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O). Using the periodic table, we get the following values: Molar mass of Nitrogen (N) = 14.01 g/mol Molar mass of Oxygen (O) = 16.00 g/mol

Calculate the Mass Percentage of Nitrogen in NO

Now we will calculate the mass percentage of nitrogen in NO. The molar mass of NO = molar mass of N + molar mass of O = 14.01 + 16.00 = 30.01 g/mol Mass percentage of Nitrogen in NO = \(\frac{14.01}{30.01}\) × 100 = 46.68%

Calculate the Mass Percentage of Nitrogen in NO₂

Next, we will determine the mass percentage of Nitrogen in NO₂. The molar mass of NO₂ = molar mass of N + 2 × molar mass of O = 14.01 + 2 × 16.00 = 46.01 g/mol Mass percentage of Nitrogen in NO₂ = \(\frac{14.01}{46.01}\) × 100 = 30.45%

Calculate the Mass Percentage of Nitrogen in N₂O₄

Now, let's find the mass percentage of Nitrogen in N₂O₄. The molar mass of N₂O₄ = 2 × molar mass of N + 4 × molar mass of O = 2 × 14.01 + 4 × 16.00 = 92.02 g/mol Mass percentage of Nitrogen in N₂O₄ = \(\frac{2 \times 14.01}{92.02}\) × 100 = 30.45%

Calculate the Mass Percentage of Nitrogen in N₂O

Finally, we will calculate the mass percentage of Nitrogen in N₂O. The molar mass of N₂O = 2 × molar mass of N + molar mass of O = 2 × 14.01 + 16.00 = 44.02 g/mol Mass percentage of Nitrogen in N₂O = \(\frac{2 \times 14.01}{44.02}\) × 100 = 63.62%

Arrange the Compounds in Order of Increasing Mass Percent of Nitrogen

Now we will arrange the compounds in order of increasing mass percentage of nitrogen: 1. NO₂: 30.45% 2. N₂O₄: 30.45% 3. NO: 46.68% 4. N₂O: 63.62% So, the order is NO₂, N₂O₄, NO, and N₂O.

Key concepts

Understanding Mass Percent Composition

Mass percent composition helps us understand how much of a specific element is present in a compound compared to the entire mass of the compound. To calculate it, we need the molar mass of each element in the compound. First, add up the molar mass of all elements to find the total molar mass of the compound. Next, take the molar mass of the element of interest and divide it by the total molar mass. Multiply by 100 to convert to a percentage.

This calculation tells us the proportion of a specific element within the compound, which is crucial for understanding the nature and function of the compound.

Exploring Nitrogen Compounds

Nitrogen compounds play a significant role in various chemical processes and industries. Compounds like NO and NO₂ are common in environmental chemistry, especially in air pollution.

N₂O₄ is used in aerospace engineering, highlighting how nitrogen's versatile chemical properties can be utilized. On the other hand, N₂O, commonly known as laughing gas, is used in medicine.

Understanding these compounds' composition can provide insights into their chemical behavior and applications.

Decoding Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas are shorthand notations representing the elements in a compound. For instance, NO means one nitrogen atom is bonded to one oxygen atom. In NO₂, one nitrogen atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms. Similarly, N₂O shows two nitrogen atoms bonded with one oxygen atom, while N₂O₄ displays two nitrogen atoms with four oxygen atoms.

These formulas help us quickly identify the atomic composition of a compound and are crucial for calculating properties like molar mass and mass percent composition.

Getting to Know Periodic Table Elements

The periodic table is an essential tool in chemistry that organizes elements based on their atomic number and properties. Understanding where nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) are located helps us understand their properties.

Nitrogen, with an atomic number of 7, is a non-metal that forms strong bonds with oxygen. Oxygen, atomic number 8, is also a non-metal and highly reactive.

The periodic table gives us the molar masses needed for our calculations, making it crucial for determining the mass percent composition of compounds.