Elemental calcium makes up approximately what percentage of calcium carbonate by weight?

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Multiple Choice

Elemental calcium makes up approximately what percentage of calcium carbonate by weight?

Explanation:
The concept here is calculating the weight fraction, or mass percent, of an element in a compound. For calcium carbonate, you look at the formula mass contributed by calcium versus the total formula mass. Using approximate molar masses: Ca ~ 40, C ~ 12, O3 ~ 3×16 = 48. The total formula mass is about 40 + 12 + 48 = 100. Calcium contributes 40 out of 100, which is 40% by weight. So elemental calcium makes up about 40% of calcium carbonate by weight. The remaining mass comes from carbon and oxygen (about 12% from carbon and 48% from oxygen).

The concept here is calculating the weight fraction, or mass percent, of an element in a compound. For calcium carbonate, you look at the formula mass contributed by calcium versus the total formula mass. Using approximate molar masses: Ca ~ 40, C ~ 12, O3 ~ 3×16 = 48. The total formula mass is about 40 + 12 + 48 = 100. Calcium contributes 40 out of 100, which is 40% by weight. So elemental calcium makes up about 40% of calcium carbonate by weight. The remaining mass comes from carbon and oxygen (about 12% from carbon and 48% from oxygen).

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