Calculate the percentage composition by mass of Lithium Sulfate, Li2SO4.

(Taken from GCSE WJEC Additional Science Book- First Published in 2012) and I have adapted the answer given.Relative atomic masses: Li = 7 ; S= 32 ; O=161) Calculate molecular mass of lithium sulfate (Li2SO4)= 2(Li) + 1(S) + 4 (O) = 2(7) + 1(32) + 4(16) = 1102) Working out % composition of each element (think of it as a working it out like you do your test percentages, where the atomic mass of element is your test score, and the molecular mass of compound is the total :) )% composition of Li = (2(Li)/ Li2SO4) x 100 = (2(7)/ 110) x 100 = (14/110) x 100 = 12.7%
% composition of S = (1(S)/ Li2SO4) x 100 = (1(32)/ 110) x 100 = (32/110 x 100) = 29.1%
% composition of O = (4(O)/ Li2SO4) x 100 = (4 (16)/ 110 ) x 100 = (64/110) x 100 = 58.2%

EL
Answered by Elinor L. Chemistry tutor

17947 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the differences between intermolecular and intramolecular forces?


How does covalent bonding work?


In fractional distillation the shorter hydrocarbons have lower boiling points and distil off first. Why?


Describe what happens when 2 atoms of potassium react with 1 atom of sulphur? Give the answer in terms of electron transfer.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning