What is the percent composition of silicon in silicon carbide (SiC)?

16 Sep 2022

Question:

A. 28% B. 50% C. 70% D. 142%

The percentage of silicon content in silicon carbide (SiC) is option (C) 70%.

Explanation: The correct option is (C) 70%.

Given,

Molar mass of Si = 28.09 g/mole

Molar mass of C = 12 g/mole

Molecular mass of SiC = 28.09 + 12 = 40.09 g/mole

To calculate the mass percent of an element in a compound, we use the equation:

Percent composition of Si = (Mass of Si in compound / Mass of the compound) x 100

Now put all the given values in the above equation, we get:

Percent composition of Si = (28.09g / 40.09g) x 100 = 70%

Hence, the percentage composition of Si in the given compound is 70%.