Answer to Question #184416 in General Chemistry for Thrisha

Question

5 g of gunpowder, which consists of a mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate (KNO3)

was packed and detonated in an enclosed experimental area. The total volume of nitrogen and

carbon dioxide gases released was 0.9141 liters at STP condition. Given that the remaining

sulfur left unexploded is 0.436 g. Calculate the percentage in weight over total weight (w/w) of

each substance in the mixture if the KNO3 was the limiting substance in this mixture. [Given

the atomic weight of carbon, C; 12.011, nitrogen, N; 14.007, oxygen, O; 15.999, sulfur, S;

32.060, potassium, K; 39.098, 1 mole of gas equal to 22.4 L gas at standard temperature and

pressure (STP).]

Answer 1

potassium nitrate (75% by weight), charcoal (15% by weight), and sulfur (10% by weight).