0.14grams of an element on combustion give 0.24grams of it`s oxide. what is the element

To identify the element based on the combustion data provided, we can use the concept of mass conservation and stoichiometry. When an element combusts, it reacts with oxygen to form an oxide. In this case, we have 0.14 grams of an element that produces 0.24 grams of its oxide. Let's break this down step by step.

Understanding the Mass Change

First, we need to determine how much oxygen was involved in the reaction. The mass of the oxide formed is the sum of the mass of the original element and the mass of the oxygen that reacted with it. We can express this relationship mathematically:

• Mass of oxide = Mass of element + Mass of oxygen

Substituting the values we have:

• 0.24 g (mass of oxide) = 0.14 g (mass of element) + Mass of oxygen

To find the mass of oxygen, we rearrange the equation:

• Mass of oxygen = 0.24 g - 0.14 g = 0.10 g

Calculating the Molar Mass

Next, we need to find the molar masses of the element and oxygen to identify the element. The molar mass of oxygen (O) is approximately 16 g/mol. Now, we can calculate the moles of oxygen that reacted:

• Moles of oxygen = Mass of oxygen / Molar mass of oxygen
• Moles of oxygen = 0.10 g / 16 g/mol = 0.00625 mol

Finding the Moles of the Element

Now, we need to determine the moles of the original element. The mass of the element is 0.14 g, so we can express the moles of the element as:

• Moles of element = Mass of element / Molar mass of element

Let’s denote the molar mass of the element as M. We can set up the equation:

• 0.14 g / M = 0.00625 mol

Rearranging gives us:

• M = 0.14 g / 0.00625 mol = 22.4 g/mol

Identifying the Element

Now that we have the molar mass of the element, we can compare it to known elements on the periodic table. A molar mass of approximately 22.4 g/mol corresponds to the element sodium (Na), which has a molar mass of about 22.99 g/mol. Sodium typically forms sodium oxide (Na2O) when it combusts in oxygen.

Conclusion

Based on the calculations and the molar mass, the element that combusted to form the oxide is sodium. This example illustrates how stoichiometry and mass conservation principles can be applied to identify elements based on their combustion products.