Answer :
Final answer:
To find the mass of mercury produced from 46.5g of HgO, calculate moles of HgO, apply stoichiometry of the decomposition reaction (1:1 ratio for HgO to Hg), and convert back to grams using mercury's molar mass.
None of the option is correct.
Explanation:
The student is asking for the mass of mercury formed from decomposing 46.5 grams of mercury(II) oxide (HgO). First, we need to determine the molar mass of HgO and then use stoichiometry to find out the mass of mercury produced.
Using the periodic table, we can find the atomic masses of mercury (Hg) and oxygen (O). Mercury has an atomic mass of about 200.59 g/mol and oxygen has an atomic mass of about 16.00 g/mol. Therefore, the molar mass of HgO is approximately 216.59 g/mol (200.59 + 16.00).
To solve for the mass of mercury produced, we follow these steps:
Calculate moles of HgO using its molar mass: moles of HgO = 46.5 g / 216.59 g/mol.
Apply the stoichiometry of the reaction (2 HgO → 2 Hg + O₂), where 1 mole of HgO produces 1 mole of Hg.
Calculate mass of mercury: Moles of Hg * molar mass of Hg (~200.59 g/mol).
Performing these calculations, the mass of mercury obtained will be the answer the student is looking for.
None of the option is correct.