Calculating the Iron Content in Iron(III) Hydroxide (Fe(OH)?): An SEO-Optimized Guide
Understanding how to calculate the iron content in compounds such as Fe(OH)? or iron(III) hydroxide is a fundamental skill in chemistry and analytical science. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of determining the amount of iron present in a given mass of Fe(OH)?. We'll break down the steps and provide a detailed explanation of the calculations involved.
Understanding the Basics
Iron(III) hydroxide, Fe(OH)?, consists of one iron atom (Fe), one hydroxide group (-OH), and one more oxygen atom (O) derived from the hydroxide group. Each component has a specific atomic or molecular mass. The atomic masses are as follows:
Iron (Fe): 55.845 g/mol Hydroxide (-OH): 17.01 g/molStep-by-Step Solution
To find the amount of iron in 15.8 grams of iron(III) hydroxide, we need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Calculate the Molar Mass of Fe(OH)?
First, we need to determine the molar mass of the compound Fe(OH)?. The molar mass is calculated by adding the atomic masses of each element in the formula:
Molar Mass of Fe(OH)? (1 × 55.845) (3 × 17.01) 55.845 51.03 106.875 g/mol
Step 2: Determine the Percentage of Iron in the Compound
The next step is to find out what percentage of the molar mass of Fe(OH)? is due to iron. This can be done by dividing the atomic mass of iron by the molar mass of the compound and then multiplying by 100 to get the percentage:
Purity of Iron (55.845 / 106.875) × 100 52.25%
Step 3: Calculate the Mass of Iron in 15.8 Grams of Fe(OH)?
With the percentage of iron determined, we can now calculate the mass of iron contained in 15.8 grams of iron(III) hydroxide. This involves multiplying the percentage by the total mass:
Mass of Iron (52.25 / 100) × 15.8 8.26 grams
Conclusion
In conclusion, the amount of iron in 15.8 grams of iron(III) hydroxide is 8.26 grams. Understanding how to perform such calculations is crucial for various applications in chemistry, environmental science, and pharmaceuticals. If you need to perform similar calculations for other compounds or you want to explore more in-depth explanations, this guide provides a solid foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do you calculate the atomic mass of a compound?
A: The atomic mass of a compound is the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in its formula. For Fe(OH)?, you add the atomic mass of iron (55.845 g/mol) to the atomic masses of the three hydroxide groups (17.01 g/mol).
Q: What is the percentage of iron in iron(III) hydroxide?
A: The percentage of iron in iron(III) hydroxide is 52.25%. This is calculated by dividing the atomic mass of iron by the molar mass of the compound and multiplying by 100.
Q: How can you determine the mass of a specific element in a compound?
A: To determine the mass of a specific element in a compound, multiply the percentage of that element by the total mass of the compound. For example, to find the mass of iron in 15.8 grams of iron(III) hydroxide, you would multiply 52.25% by 15.8 grams.