Suppose the elements X and Y combine to form two compounds XY2 and X3Y2. When 0.1 mole of XY2 weighs 10 g and 0.05 mole of X3Y2 weighs 9 g, the atomic weights of X and Y are
- 40, 30
- 60, 40
- 20, 30
- 30, 20
Answer
(1) 40, 30
Solution
Let the atomic weights of X and Y be x and y.
Molar mass of XY2 = 100.1 = 100 g mol-1
⇒ x + 2y = 100 ...(i)
Molar mass of X3Y2 = 90.05 = 180 g mol-1
⇒ 3x + 2y = 180 ...(ii)
Subtracting (i) from (ii): 2x = 80
⇒ x = 40 and y = 100 - 402 = 30
Answer: (1)