A metal, M, forms an oxide having the formula M2O3 containing 52.92% metal by mass. Determine the atomic weight in g/mole of the metal (M). Please provide your answer in 2 decimal places.

26.98g/mol

Explanation:

The molar mass of M2O3 = 2M + 3O = 2M +(3x16) = 2M + 48

From the question, we were told that the mass percentage of M is 52.92%. This can be expressed below:

Mass of M/MM of oxide = 52.92%

2M / 2M + 48 = 52.92/ 100

Cross multiply to express in linear form

2M x 100 = 52.92(2M + 48)

200M = 105.84M + 2540.16

Collect like terms

200M — 105.84M = 2540.16

94.16M = 2540.16

Divide both side by 94.16, we have:

M = 2540.16 / 94.16

M = 26.98

The atomic weight of M is 26.98g/mol

answers: to make sure that all of the broken pieces of tablet were added to the water, to allow for fair comparison of all three trials, with different particle sizes to avoid experimental error