What is the mass percentage of carbon in a CO2 molecule?

First we need to calculate the total mass of a CO2 molecule. This is done by summing up the individual masses of all the atoms. To find these, we look at the periodic table and see that the masses are C: 12 g/mol (amu) O: 16 g/mol (amu)Thus, the total mass of one CO2 molecule is 12+16x2 = 44 g/mol (amu)To find the percentage, we have to divide the mass of carbon (found in the molecule) by the total mass of the molecule, and multiply by 100:%C = 12*100/44 = 27.27%

AD
Answered by Ana D. Chemistry tutor

4815 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Can you please help understand this diagram I drew in class?


Why do we use cracking?


In the Haber process, the best yield of ammonia is produced at a low temperature. Explain why


Using diagrams, describe the difference between Ionic, Covalent and Metallic Bonding.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning