Determine The Percent Composition By Mass Of Acetylene Gas \[$\left( C_2H_2 \right)\$\].

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 89 views

Introduction

In chemistry, determining the percent composition by mass of a compound is a crucial step in understanding its properties and behavior. Acetylene gas, with the chemical formula $\left( C_2H_2 \right)$ , is a highly flammable and reactive gas used in various industrial applications. In this article, we will guide you through the process of calculating the percent composition by mass of acetylene gas.

Understanding Percent Composition by Mass

Percent composition by mass is a measure of the percentage of each element present in a compound by mass. It is calculated by dividing the mass of each element in the compound by the total mass of the compound and multiplying by 100. The formula for calculating percent composition by mass is:

\text{Percent Composition by Mass} = \frac{\text{Mass of Element}}{\text{Total Mass of Compound}} \times 100

Calculating the Mass of Each Element in Acetylene Gas

To calculate the percent composition by mass of acetylene gas, we need to determine the mass of each element present in the compound. The chemical formula for acetylene gas is $\left( C_2H_2 \right)$ , which means it contains 2 carbon atoms and 2 hydrogen atoms.

The atomic masses of carbon and hydrogen are:

Carbon (C): 12.01 g/mol
Hydrogen (H): 1.008 g/mol

Since there are 2 carbon atoms and 2 hydrogen atoms in acetylene gas, we can calculate the total mass of each element as follows:

Mass of Carbon: $2 \times 12.01$ g/mol = 24.02 g/mol
Mass of Hydrogen: $2 \times 1.008$ g/mol = 2.016 g/mol

Calculating the Total Mass of Acetylene Gas

The total mass of acetylene gas is the sum of the masses of all the elements present in the compound. In this case, the total mass of acetylene gas is:

\text{Total Mass of Acetylene Gas} = \text{Mass of Carbon} + \text{Mass of Hydrogen}

\text{Total Mass of Acetylene Gas} = 24.02 \text{ g/mol} + 2.016 \text{ g/mol}

\text{Total Mass of Acetylene Gas} = 26.036 \text{ g/mol}

Calculating the Percent Composition by Mass of Acetylene Gas

Now that we have the total mass of acetylene gas, we can calculate the percent composition by mass of each element present in the compound. We will use the formula for percent composition by mass:

\text{Percent Composition by Mass} = \frac{\text{Mass of Element}}{\text{Total Mass of Compound}} \times 100

For carbon:

\text{Percent Composition by Mass of Carbon} = \frac{24.02}{26.036} \times 100

\text{Percent Composition by Mass of Carbon} = 91.73\%

For hydrogen:

\text{Percent Composition by Mass of Hydrogen} = \frac{2.016}{26.036} \times 100

\text{Percent Composition by Mass of Hydrogen} = 7.74\%

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have calculated the percent composition by mass of acetylene gas using the chemical formula $\left( C_2H_2 \right)$ . The results show that acetylene gas is composed of 91.73% carbon and 7.74% hydrogen by mass. This information is crucial in understanding the properties and behavior of acetylene gas and its applications in various industrial processes.

References

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Chemistry WebBook

Additional Resources

Chemistry LibreTexts: Acetylene
Wikipedia: Acetylene

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the chemical formula for acetylene gas? A: The chemical formula for acetylene gas is $\left( C_2H_2 \right)$ .
Q: What is the percent composition by mass of carbon in acetylene gas? A: The percent composition by mass of carbon in acetylene gas is 91.73%.
Q: What is the percent composition by mass of hydrogen in acetylene gas? A: The percent composition by mass of hydrogen in acetylene gas is 7.74%.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acetylene Gas =====================================================

Q: What is acetylene gas?

A: Acetylene gas is a highly flammable and reactive gas with the chemical formula $\left( C_2H_2 \right)$ . It is commonly used in various industrial applications, including welding, cutting, and brazing.

Q: What are the properties of acetylene gas?

A: Acetylene gas has several properties that make it useful in various applications. Some of its key properties include:

Highly flammable: Acetylene gas is highly flammable and can ignite easily.
Reactive: Acetylene gas is highly reactive and can react with other substances to form new compounds.
Colorless: Acetylene gas is colorless and odorless.
Highly toxic: Acetylene gas is highly toxic and can be hazardous to human health if inhaled.

Q: What are the uses of acetylene gas?

A: Acetylene gas has several uses in various industries, including:

Welding: Acetylene gas is commonly used in welding applications, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW).
Cutting: Acetylene gas is used in cutting applications, including oxy-fuel cutting and plasma cutting.
Brazing: Acetylene gas is used in brazing applications, including silver brazing and copper brazing.
Lighting: Acetylene gas is used in lighting applications, including gas lamps and lanterns.

Q: What are the safety precautions when handling acetylene gas?

A: When handling acetylene gas, it is essential to take several safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Some of the key safety precautions include:

Wear protective gear: Wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask, when handling acetylene gas.
Use proper equipment: Use proper equipment, including gas cylinders and regulators, when handling acetylene gas.
Follow safety procedures: Follow safety procedures, including turning off the gas supply and allowing the gas to dissipate, when handling acetylene gas.
Store properly: Store acetylene gas in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and open flames.

Q: What are the environmental concerns associated with acetylene gas?

A: Acetylene gas can have several environmental concerns, including:

Air pollution: Acetylene gas can contribute to air pollution, including the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter.
Water pollution: Acetylene gas can contaminate water sources, including rivers and lakes, if not handled properly.
Soil pollution: Acetylene gas can contaminate soil, including agricultural land and residential areas, if not handled properly.

Q: How can I dispose of acetylene gas safely?

A: When disposing of acetylene gas, it is essential to follow proper procedures to prevent accidents and injuries. Some of the key steps include:

Turn off the gas supply: Turn off the gas supply to the cylinder or regulator.
Allow the gas to dissipate: Allow the gas to dissipate in a well-ventilated area.
Dispose of the cylinder: Dispose of the cylinder in a designated area, following local regulations and guidelines.
Dispose of the regulator: Dispose of the regulator in a designated area, following local regulations and guidelines.

Q: What are the health effects of acetylene gas exposure?

A: Acetylene gas can have several health effects, including:

Respiratory problems: Acetylene gas can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Eye and skin irritation: Acetylene gas can cause eye and skin irritation, including redness, itching, and burning.
Headaches and dizziness: Acetylene gas can cause headaches and dizziness, especially in enclosed spaces.
Cancer: Acetylene gas has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, including lung cancer and other types of cancer.

Q: How can I prevent acetylene gas exposure?

A: To prevent acetylene gas exposure, it is essential to follow proper safety procedures and guidelines. Some of the key steps include:

Wear protective gear: Wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask, when handling acetylene gas.
Use proper equipment: Use proper equipment, including gas cylinders and regulators, when handling acetylene gas.
Follow safety procedures: Follow safety procedures, including turning off the gas supply and allowing the gas to dissipate, when handling acetylene gas.
Store properly: Store acetylene gas in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and open flames.

Q: What are the regulations and guidelines for handling acetylene gas?

A: The regulations and guidelines for handling acetylene gas vary depending on the country, state, or region. Some of the key regulations and guidelines include:

OSHA regulations: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations and guidelines for handling acetylene gas, including the use of personal protective equipment and proper ventilation.
EPA regulations: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulations and guidelines for handling acetylene gas, including the prevention of air and water pollution.
Local regulations: Local regulations and guidelines may vary depending on the country, state, or region. It is essential to check with local authorities for specific regulations and guidelines.