D. (16.0 g + 16.0 g) × 100% / (32.1 g + 16.0 g + 16.0 g) = 49.9%
Explanation:
Step 1: Detemine the mass of O in SOâ‚‚
There are 2 atoms of O in 1 molecule of SOâ‚‚. Then,
m(O) = 2 × 16.0 g = 16.0 g + 16.0 g = 32.0 g
Step 2: Determine the mass of SOâ‚‚
m(SO₂) = 1 × mS + 2 × mO = 1 × 32.1 g + 2 × 16.0 g = 32.1 g + 16.0 g + 16.0 g = 64.1 g
Step 3: Detemine the mass percent of oxygen in SOâ‚‚
We will use the following expression.
m(O)/m(SO₂) × 100%
(16.0 g + 16.0 g) × 100% / (32.1 g + 16.0 g + 16.0 g) = 49.9%