BANSUD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Regional Science High School for Region IV-MIMAROPA Pag-asa,

Bansud Oriental Mindoro

General Chemistry 1 October 20-21, 2020

Topic: Percentage Composition and Chemical Formulas

I. Introduction
Diet conscious person reads the nutrition facts of their favorite foods. From the nutrition facts they
can identify the percentage of carbohydrates, sugar, proteins and fats. Knowing the percentage composition
of food is highly important, especially for health-conscious individuals.
In like manner, determining the percentage composition of a compound is also very significant in
chemistry. Millions of compounds exist, and it is up to the chemist to analyze what elements do they
contain.

II. Competencies:
a. Calculate the empirical from the percent composition of a compound.
STEM_GC11PClf-32
b. Calculate molecular formula given molar mass STEM_GC11PClf-33 III.
Objectives

a. Define percentage composition, molar mass, empirical formula and molecular formula
b. Solve for the molar mass of a compound
c. Use the periodic table in identifying the mass of an element.
d. Solve for the percentage composition, empirical formula and molecular formula of a
compound.

IV. What I Know

Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. The formula that indicates the total number of atoms of the elements in a compound is -
A. Chemical formula B. Empirical Formula
C. Molecular Formula D. Structural Formula
2. Which of the following statement is explains the similarities between empirical and
molecular formula?
1. The molecular formula is the multiple of its chemical formula
2. The empirical formula of a compound is written in the lowest integer subscript.
3. The molecular formula is the multiple of its empirical formula
4. The molecular formula is the same as the empirical formula.
A. 1 and 2 B. 1 & 4 C. 2 & 3 D. 4
3. The mass in grams of one mole of a substance.
A. Atomic Mass B. Average mass
C. Formula mass D. Molecular Mass
4. Which of the following is the correct percentage composition of Hydrogen and Oxygen in
water (H2O)?
A. 11% H and 88% O B. 11 % O and 88% H
C. 11.1 % H and 88.9 % O D. 11.1 % O and 88.9 % H
5. A sample is found to have 40.0% C, 6.6% H, and 53.4% O by mass. Determine the
empirical formula of the compound.
A. CHO B. C2HO6 C. CHO2 D. CH2O
 V. What I Need to Know
Molecular Mass, Formula Mass and Molar mass

We define atomic mass as the mass of an atom relative to the mass Carbon-12. Just like
atomic mass, molecular masses and formula masses are relative masses with the mass of carbon-12
isotope as standard.

Molecular Mass
Molecular mass is simply the sum of the masses of the atoms in the molecule of the
substance expressed in atomic mass unit (amu).
EXAMPLE: Calculate the molecular mass of water (H2O).
Atom Number of Atom Atomic Mass (amu) Mass (amu)
H 2 1.01 2 (1.01) = 2.02
O 1 16.00 1 (16.00) = 16.00
Molecular Mass = 18.01 amu
NOTE:
In H2O - the Chemical Symbol refers to the kind of atoms present in the compound
- the subscript 2 denotes the number of atoms of the element present in the
Compound
To get the atomic mass of each element refer to the Modern Periodic table.
To get the total mass of each element we multiply the number of atoms of each element by
its atomic mass.
Formula Mass
Since ionic compounds do not exist as molecules it is better to use formula mass. Ionic
compounds consist of charged particles or ions. Chemical formulas of ionic compounds merely
indicate the ratio of the number of cations (positive ions) to anions (negative ions). For ionic
compounds, the term formula mass is more appropriate although molecular mass is used by others
just the same. The calculation for formula mass is just the same as that for molecular mass. Just
get the sum of the atomic masses of all the elements in the formula. EXAMPLE: Solve for the
formula mass of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
Atom Number of Atom Atomic Mass (amu) Mass (amu)
Ca 1 40.0 1 (40.00) = 40.00
C 1 12.00 1 (12.00) = 12.00
O 3 16.00 3 (16.00) = 48.00
Formula Mass = 100.00 amu

Mole and Molar Mass

Mole is defined as the quantity of a substance which contains the same number of particles.
It is the unit used for any substance. Just like sugar or salt we cannot count how many particles are
there in a kilo of sugar or salt, but we expressed it in Mole. One mole of any substance contains
6.02 x 1023 particles or what we call Avogadro’s Number.
Quantity Unit Number of particles
shoes pair 2 pieces (Left and right)
eggs dozen 12 pieces
Bond paper ream 500 sheets
Amount of a substance mole 6.02 x 1023 particles (Atoms,
ions or molecules)

Molar Mass is defined as the mass in grams of one mole of a substance. The unit used is
gram per mole (g/mol). In computing for molar mass, just follow the formula in solving for the
formula mass or molecular mass, the only difference is its unit g/mol.
EXAMPLE: Solve for the Molar mass of Sugar (C12H22O11)
Atom Number of Atom Atomic Mass (amu) Mass (amu)
C 12 12.00 12 (12.00) = 144.00 g/mol
H 22 1.00 22(1.00) = 22.00 g/mol
O 11 16.00 11 (16.00) = 176.00 g/mol
Molar Mass = 342.00 g/mol

The Mass Percentage Composition

The amount of each element in a compound can also be expressed in terms of percentage.
According to the Law od Definite Composition, elements combine in a definite mass ratio when
they form compounds. This means that the composition of the elements determines the identity of
the compound. The composition of the compound is commonly expressed as the percent by mass of
the elements and is calculated as follows:

% of Elements =
The mass percentage composition is obtained by dividing the mass of each element by the molar
mass of the compound and multiplying the quotient by 100%.
Sample Problem 1

Washing soda, Na2CO3 is used in the manufacture of glass, pulp and paper. What is its
percentage composition? Given: Na2CO3
Find: % Na , % C and % O
Solution:
Step 1: Calculate the mass of each element and the total mass of the compound.

Mass of Na = 2 x 22.99g = 45.98 g

Mass of C = 1 x 12.01 = 12.01 g
Mass of O = 3 x 16.00 = 48.00g
105.99 g
STEP 2. Calculate the percentage composition by Mass

% Na=

%C=

%O=
Check your answers by adding them up, the sum is 100 or close to 100%.
Sample Problem 2

Determine the percentage of water in hydrated nickel Chloride crystals, NiCl2∙6H2O. It is

used as absorbent of ammonia in gas mask.

Given: NiCl2∙6H2O
Find: %H2O
Solution:
STEP 1: Calculate the molar mass of nickel chloride and water.
Mass of one mole of NiCl2
Mass Ni = 1 x 58.69 g = 58.69 g
Mass Cl = 2 x 35.45 g = 70.90 g
 Molar mass = 129.59 g/mol
Mass of 1 one mole of H2O
Mass H = 2 x 1.01 g = 2.02 g
Mass O = 1 x 16.00 g = 16.00 g
Molar mass = 18.02 g/mol
Multiply 18.02g by 6 since there are 6 moles of water in the chemical formula ( NiCl2∙6H2O), so
the total mass of water is 108.12 grams.
Adding the molar mass of NiCl2 and H2O, we get 237.71 grams.
STEP 2: Solve for the % H2O.

%H

= 45.484 %
Practice Exercises 1:
Solve the following problems in your Chemistry notebook. Check your answers. Look for the correct
answer on the last page of the module.
1. Calculate the molecular mass of A) aspirin, C 9H8O4 B) Vitamin C, C 6H8O6
2. Calculate the formula mass of A) saltpeter, KNO 3 B) Washing soda, Na2CO3
3. Calculate the percentage composition of the following substances;
A. Ethanol, C2H6O
B. Nitroglycerin, C3H5(NO3)3

ACTIVITIES
Activity No. 1 Percentage Composition

Direction: Solve the following problems.

1. Chlorophyll (C55H72MgN4O5) is a pigment in plants that is responsible for the green color of
their leaves. Solve for the molar Mass of chlorophyll. Calculate the percentage by mass of
the compound.

2. Sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na2CO3 ∙10H2O), also known as washing soda is widely used
in cleaning substances such as laundry detergents. What is the mass percentage of water in
the compound?
3. The compound sodium thiosulfate, photographic fixative, has the formula Na 2S2O3. What is
the mass percentage of each element in the compound?
4. Determine the percentage composition of the elements in silica, SiO 2, an ingredient of glass
and computer chips.

VI. What’s More

Empirical Formula and Percentage Composition

If the percentage composition of a compound can be obtained using its chemical formula,
the formula of the compound can also be derived from its percent composition by mass.
The formula that specifies the smallest whole-number ratio of atoms of the elements in a
compound is known as the simplest formula, or empirical formula.
In most cases , the empirical formula accurately describes the formula of an ionic compound
but, for covalent compounds, it only gives the ratio of the elements present in the substance.

Sample Problem 1:
 What is the empirical formula of a compound containing 70.19 % lead, 8.14 % Carbon and 21.67 %
oxygen?
Given:
% Lead = 70.19 %
% Carbon = 8.14 %
% Oxygen = 21.67 % Find:
Empirical Formula Solution:
Step 1. Assume that the sample is 100g so that the given percentage of each element
is the mass in grams of the element.
Pb = 70.19 g C = 8.14 g O = 21.67 g
Step 2. Calculate the number of moles of each element using the formula:

Mole of element =

Mole Pb

Mole C =

Mole O =
Step 3. Get the ratio of the elements by dividing the calculated moles by the
smallest quantity.

Pb =

C =

O =

The empirical formula is PbC2O4 Sample

Problem 2
Find the empirical formula of the oxide formed when 1.09 g of aluminum burns completely in
oxygen, producing 2.06 g of oxide. Given: mass aluminum = 1.09 g
Mass oxide = 2.06 g
Find: Empirical Formula
Solution:
Step 1. Calculate the number of moles of elements found in the compound using
the formula

Mole of element =

Mole Al =

Mol O =
NOTE : The mass of oxygen is the difference of the masses of the oxide and aluminum.
2.06 g – 1.09 g = 0.97 g O
STEP 2. Get the ratio of the elements by dividing the calculated moles by the
smallest quantity.

Al
 O
Step 3. Multiply the ratio by 2 to make the subscript a whole number.
Therefore the empirical formula is Al2O3
Al =1 x 2 = 2 O = 1.5 x 2= 3 = Al2O3

Practice Exercise 2:
Solve the following problems in your notebook. Check your answers by looking at the answer key
at the last page of the module.
1. Derive the empirical formula of the following:
a) 10.28 bismuth oxide containing 8.36 g bismuth
b) A compound consisting of 26.57 % potassium, 35.36 % Chromium and 38.07 %
oxygen
c) A compound consisting of 67.6 % mercury, 10.8 % sulfur and 21.6 % oxygen.

Molecular Formula
The formula that specifies both the relative and actual number of atoms in a molecule is the
molecular formula. Analyze the examples below to see the difference between empirical formula
and molecular formula.
Molecular Formula Name Empirical Formula
C2 H 4 Ethylene (ethene) CH2
C3 H 6 Propylene (propene) CH2
C6H12O6 Glucose CH2O

Sample Problem 1
If the empirical formula of the compound is CH2O and its molecular mass is 181 amu, what is its
molecular formula?
Given: empirical formula = CH2O
Molecular mass CH2O = 181 amu
Find: Molecular Formula Solution:
Step 1: Get the empirical formula mass
(empirical formula : CH2O)
Mass C = 1 x 12.01 amu = 12.01 amu
Mass H = 2 x 1.01 amu = 2.02 amu
Mass O = 1 x 16.00 amu = 16.00 amu
30.03 amu
Step 2: Get the value of n, where n is the multiplier of the subscript of the empirical formula

n=

n=
Step 3: Derive the molecular formula using,

Molecular formula = empirical formula x n

Molecular formula = (CH2O)n
= (CH2O)6
=C6H12O6
Therefore, the molecular formula is C6H12O6
Sample Problem 2
What is the molecular formula of a compound containing 24.27 % carbon, 4.07 % hydrogen,
and 71.65 % chlorine by mass? The molecular mass of the compound is 98.96 amu.
Given: % Carbon = 24.27 % = 24.27 g
 % Hydrogen = 4.07 % = 4.07 g
% Chlorine = 71.65 % = 71.65 g
Find: molecular formula Solution:
Step 1: Get the empirical formula of the compound

Mole C =
Mole H =
1.

Mole Cl =
Get the ratio of the elements
C =

The empirical formula is CH2Cl

H =

Cl =

Step 2: Get the empirical formula mass

Mass C = 1 x 12.01 amu = 12.01 amu Mass H = 2 x
1.01 amu = 2.02 amu
Mass Cl = 1 x 35.45 amu = 35.45 amu
49.48 amu
Step 3: Get the value of n

n =

Step 4: Derive the molecular formula using :

Molecular formula = empirical formula x n
Molecular formula = (CH2Cl)n
= (CH2Cl)2
= C2H4Cl2
Therefore, the molecular formula is C2H4Cl2

Practice exercise 3

Solve the problem in your notebook. Check your answer by looking at the answer key at the
last page of the module.
1. What is the molecular formula of a substance containing 43.64 % phosphorus and 56.36%
oxygen by mass? Its molecular mass is 141.9g.

VII. What I Have

Activity No. 2 Empirical Formula and Molecular Formula

Direction: Solve the following problems.

1. MMT is a compound used as a gasoline supplement and octane rating booster. What is the
empirical formula of MMT if it is 49.5 % C, 3,2 % H, 22.0 % O and 25.2 % Mn?
2. What is the empirical formula of Epinephrine (adrenaline), a hormone secreted into the
bloodstream in times of danger or stress consisting of 59.0 % C, 7.1 % H, 26.2 % O, and 7.7 %
N by mass? What will be its molecular formula if its molecular mass is 180 g?
 VIII. What I Can Do

Chemistry journal

1. Write in your journal the meaning of percentage composition. Explain the importance of
knowing the percentage composition of a certain product in relation to the health condition of
a certain person.
2. State the difference between empirical and molecular formula.

IX. What I Have Learned?

I have learned that ____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

X. Assessment
Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. The formula that indicates the total number of atoms of the elements in a compound is the
A. Chemical formula B. Empirical Formula
C. Molecular Formula D. Structural Formula
2. The molar mass of camphor , C10H16O , when C= 12.0, O= 16.0 and H=1.0 is
A. 136.0 g/mol B. 152.0 g/mol
C. 150.0 g/mol D. 160.0 g/mol
3. Which of the following statement is explains the similarities between empirical and molecular
formula?
1. The molecular formula is the multiple of its chemical formula
2. The empirical formula of a compound is written in the lowest integer subscript.
3. The molecular formula is the multiple of its empirical formula
4. The molecular formula is the same as the empirical formula.
A. 1 and 2 B. 1 & 4 C. 2 & 3 D. 4
5. The mass in grams of one mole of a substance.
A. Atomic Mass B. Average mass
C. Formula mass D. Molar Mass
6. Which of the following is the correct percentage composition of Hydrogen and Oxygen in water
(H2O)?
A. 11% H and 88% O B. 11 % O and 88% H
C. 11.1 % H and 88.9 % O D. 11.1 % O and 88.9 % H
7. A sample is found to have 40.0% C, 6.6% H, and 53.4% O by mass. Determine the empirical
formula of the compound.
A. CHO B. C2HO6 C. CHO2 D. CH2O
8. Washing soda, Na2CO3 is used in the manufacture of glass, pulp and paper. What is the
percentage of sodium, carbon, and oxygen respectively?
Na= 22.99 C= 12.01 O= 16.00
A. 43 %; 11 %; 45 % B. 43.38 %; 11.33 %; 45.29 %
C. 43.4 %; 11.3 % ; 45.2 % D. 43.5 % ; 11.3 % ; 45.3 %
9. A sample is found to have 40.0% C, 6.6% H, and 53.4% O by mass. Determine the empirical
formula of the compound.
A. CHO B. C2HO C. CHO2 D. CH2O
10. Solve for the molecular formula of #9 when the molecular mass of the compound is 180 and the
empirical mass is 30.
A. C6H6O6 B. C12H6O6 C. C6H12O6 D. C6H12O12

References

Abistado, Jonna N., Mary Anne T. Bascara, Meliza P. Valdoz, Marianne V. Baguno, Marites D.
Aquino, 2012, Science Links Chemistry, Rex Bookstore, Inc.,183-187
Brown, Theodore L., H. Eugene LeMay, Jr., Bruce E. Bursten, Chemistry the Central Science Eight Edition,
2000, Prentice Hall Inc., pp.76-85

Chang Raymond, Chemistry , 10th Edition, 2007,Mc Graw Hill. pp. 84-90

Echija, Elena C., CeciliaV. Bayquen, Rafael L. Alonzo, Elmarita A. De Vera, 2003, Science and
Technology for the Future III Chemistry, Diwa Scholastic Press Inc., pp.274-276

Hagad, Hilda Ropelos, 2003, Phoenix Next Century Chemistry, Phoenix Publishing House Inc. pp. 162-166

Magno, Marcelita C., 2016, Basic Chemistry for Senior High School, Anvil Publishing Inc. pp. 138-142

Mapa, Amelia P., Trinidad B. Fedilino, Lilia B. Rabago, 2001, Chemistry, SD Publication Inc. pp.150-153

Mendoza, Estrella E.,2003, Chemistry, Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., pp. 184-191

Padolina, Ma. Cristina D., Echel Simon-Antero, Marie Jessica B. Alumaga, Loida C. Estanilla, 2004, Conceptual
and Functional Chemistry, Vibal Publishing House, Inc., pp. 148-154

Rodil, Mary Sheenalyn P.,2017, Conceptual Science and Beyond: General Chemistry 1, Brilliant Creations
Publishing, Inc.pp.68-71

Answer Key
Practice Exercise 1
1. A) Aspirin – 180.17 amu B) Vit C - 176.14 amu
2. A) Saltpeter – 101.11 amu B) Washing soda - 105.95 amu
3. A) Ethanol - 52.13% C - 13.15% H - 34.72 % O
B) nitroglycerin - 15.86 % C - 2.22 % H - 18.51% N - 63.41 % O
Practice Exercise 2
1. Empirical Formula
a) BiO3
b) K2Cr2O7
c) HgSO4
Practice Exercise 3
1. P2O5
 ANSWER SHEET
NAME: Christian C. Ocon Grade/Sec: 11- P. Mindorensis
TEACHER: Mrs. Puntod Date: ______________________

Activity 1 Percentage Composition

Note: Male students will answer odd-numbered questions while female students will answer even
numbered questions.
1. C=55(12.01)=660.55 %C= 660.55/893.62 x 100% = 73.92%
H=72(1.01)=72.72 %H= 72.72/893.62 x 100% = 8.14%
Mg=24.31 %Mg= 24.31/893.62 x 100% = 2.72%
N=4(14.01)=56.04 %N= 56.04/893.62 x 100% = 6.27%
O=5(16)=80 %O= 80/893.62 x 100% = 8.95%
=893.62g/mol
3. Na=2(22.99)=45.98 %Na=45.98/158.12 x 100% = 29.08%
S=2(32.07)=64.14 %S=64.14/158.12 x 100% = 40.56%
O=3(16)=48_____ %O=48/158.12 x 100% = 30.36%
158.12g/mol
 Activity 2 Empirical Formula and Molecular Formula
Note: Male students will answer odd-numbered question while female students will answer even
numbered question.
C=49.5g
H=3.2g
O=22g
Mn=25.2g

C=49.5g/12.01g/mol = 4.12mol 4.12/0.46 = 9

H=3.2g/1.01g/mol = 3.17mol 3.2/0.46 = 7 Empirical Formula: C9H7O3(MN)
O=22g/16g/mol = 1.38mol 1.38/0.46 = 3 MMT Formula: (C9H7CH3)Mn(CO)3
Mn= 25.2g/54.94g/mol = 0.46mol 0.46/0.46 = 1