We are being asked to compare the total mass % of alkaline earth metal ions and the total mass % of alkali metal ions
Recall that mass percent is given by the following equation:
To solve the problem, we are going to do the following steps:
Step 1: Determine the total mass % of alkaline earth metal ions
Step 2: Determine the total mass % of alkali earth metal ions
Step 3: Compare the total mass %
The seven most abundant ions in seawater make up more than 99% by mass of the dissolved compounds. Here are their abundances in units of mg ion/kg seawater: chloride 18,980; sodium 10,560; sulfate 2650; magnesium 1270; calcium 400; potassium 380; hydrogen carbonate 140.
(c) How does the total mass % of alkaline earth metal ions compare with the total mass % of alkali metal ions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What scientific concept do you need to know in order to solve this problem?
Our tutors have indicated that to solve this problem you will need to apply the Mass Percent concept. You can view video lessons to learn Mass Percent. Or if you need more Mass Percent practice, you can also practice Mass Percent practice problems.
What professor is this problem relevant for?
Based on our data, we think this problem is relevant for Professor Greenberg's class at QC CUNY .
What textbook is this problem found in?
Our data indicates that this problem or a close variation was asked in Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change - Silberberg 8th Edition. You can also practice Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change - Silberberg 8th Edition practice problems.