Analyses of several samples of a material containing only iron and oxygen gave the following results. Could this material be a compound?

Sample A: 1.518g(mass of sample), 1.094(mass of iron), 0.424g(mass of oxygen)
Sample B: 2.056 g(mass of sample), 1.449 g(mass of iron), 0.607 g(mass of oxygen)
Sample C: 1.873 g(mass of sample), 1.335 g(mass of iron), 0.538 g(mass of oxygen)

To determine if the material could be a compound, we can calculate the mass ratio of iron to oxygen for each sample. If these ratios are consistent across all samples, it suggests that the material is a compound with a fixed composition.

Let's calculate the mass ratio of iron to oxygen for each sample:

### Sample A:
- Mass of Iron (Fe): 1.094 g
- Mass of Oxygen (O): 0.424 g

\[ \text{Mass ratio (Fe:O)} = \frac{1.094 \text{ g}}{0.424 \text{ g}} \approx 2.58 \]

### Sample B:
- Mass of Iron (Fe): 1.449 g
- Mass of Oxygen (O): 0.607 g

\[ \text{Mass ratio (Fe:O)} = \frac{1.449 \text{ g}}{0.607 \text{ g}} \approx 2.39 \]

### Sample C:
- Mass of Iron (Fe): 1.335 g
- Mass of Oxygen (O): 0.538 g

\[ \text{Mass ratio (Fe:O)} = \frac{1.335 \text{ g}}{0.538 \text{ g}} \approx 2.48 \]

### Conclusion:
The mass ratios of iron to oxygen for the three samples are approximately 2.58, 2.39, and 2.48. These ratios are not exactly the same, but they are relatively close to each other. Given the natural variability in experimental measurements, these differences could be due to experimental error. However, the consistency of the ratios suggests that the material could indeed be a compound, likely with a fixed ratio of iron to oxygen.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

---

Here are 5 related questions to expand on the information:
1. How do experimental errors impact the determination of a compound?
2. What are the characteristics of a chemical compound compared to a mixture?
3. How could you further verify if the material is a compound?
4. What are some common compounds made of iron and oxygen?
5. How would the concept of the law of definite proportions apply in this context?

**Tip:** When analyzing the composition of compounds, consider the possibility of small experimental errors, which can lead to slight variations in observed mass ratios.

Analyze the composition of a material to determine if it is a compound by calculating the mass ratios of iron to oxygen in multiple samples. This problem involves concepts of ratios, proportions, and the law of definite proportions, suitable for students in Grades 9-12.

Math Problem Statement

Solution

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Formulas

Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Related Recommendation