Determining the Percent by Mass of Phosphorus in Iron(II) Phosphate

Iron(II) phosphate, a compound with the chemical formula Fe3(PO4)2, is a significant component in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Understanding its composition, particularly the percentage by mass of phosphorus, is crucial for its effective utilization. This article will guide you through the process of calculating the percent by mass of phosphorus in iron(II) phosphate, using a step-by-step approach that aligns with SEO best practices.

Step-by-Step Calculation

To determine the percent by mass of phosphorus in iron(II) phosphate (Fe3(PO4)2), we need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Calculate the Molar Mass of Iron(II) Phosphate

First, we need to break down the compound into its constituent elements and their respective molar masses:

Iron (Fe): The approximate molar mass is 55.85 g/mol. There are 3 atoms of iron. Phosphorus (P): The approximate molar mass is 30.97 g/mol. There are 2 atoms of phosphorus. Oxygen (O): The approximate molar mass is 16.00 g/mol. There are 8 atoms of oxygen.

Now, let's calculate the total molar mass of iron(II) phosphate:

Step 1.1: Calculate the Molar Mass of Each Element

Iron: 3 × 55.85 g/mol 167.55 g/mol

Phosphorus: 2 × 30.97 g/mol 61.94 g/mol

Oxygen: 8 × 16.00 g/mol 128.00 g/mol

Step 1.2: Add Up the Molar Masses

The total molar mass of iron(II) phosphate is:

167.55 g/mol 61.94 g/mol 128.00 g/mol 357.49 g/mol

Step 2: Calculate the Percent by Mass of Phosphorus

The formula to calculate the percent by mass is:

Percent by mass of P (frac{text{Mass of P}}{text{Molar mass of Fe}_3text{PO}_4_2} times 100)

Substitute the values we have calculated:

Percent by mass of P (frac{61.94 text{ g/mol}}{357.49 text{ g/mol}} times 100 approx 17.34%)

Conclusion

The percent by mass of phosphorus in iron(II) phosphate is approximately 17.34%. This means that in 100 grams of iron(II) phosphate, there are approximately 17.34 grams of phosphorus.

Understanding the Significance

The phosphorus content in iron(II) phosphate is essential for various applications, particularly in fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. The accurate determination of this percentage by mass allows for precise formulations and ensures consistent quality in industrial processes. Understanding these principles also helps in optimizing the usage of this compound in different industries.

Additional Insights

Let's also consider the simpler method provided in the additional context:

Alternative Calculation Method

Given the molar mass of iron(II) phosphate as 355 g/mol and the mass of phosphorus as 62 g/mol, the percentage by mass of phosphorus can be calculated as:

Composition of phosphorus (frac{62 text{ g/mol}}{355 text{ g/mol}} times 100 approx 17.46%)

This alternative method arrives at a slightly different but very close result, which is still within the margin of error due to rounding.

Key Takeaways

The process of determining the percent by mass of phosphorus in iron(II) phosphate showcases the importance of chemical composition in practical applications. Understanding these calculations can significantly enhance your knowledge and utility in fields where this compound is used.

References and Further Reading

For more detailed information, you may refer to chemical literature or textbooks on inorganic chemistry. Understanding the composition of compounds not only aids in their practical applications but also in theoretical chemistry and materials science.