Problem: A phosphorus compound that contains 13.07% phosphorus by mass has the formula X3P2. Identify the element X. Express your answer as a chemical symbol.

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We’re being asked to determine the element in the phosphorus compound with a formula of X3P2.


We are given the mass percent of phosphorus which is 13.7%.


Recall the mass percent formula:

% mass=mass componenttotal mass×100


We’re going to determine the identity of X using the following steps:

Step 1. Determine the mass of P and mass of X.
Step 2. Calculate moles of X.
Step 3. Calculate the molar mass of X.
Step 4. Determine the identity of X.


Step 1. Determine the mass of P and mass of X.

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Problem Details

A phosphorus compound that contains 13.07% phosphorus by mass has the formula X3P2. 

Identify the element X. Express your answer as a chemical symbol.


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