The main source of the element magnesium in Australia is the ore magnesite, in which magnesium is present as magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 1
The main source of the element magnesium in Australia is the ore magnesite, in which magnesium is present as magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃).
Calculate the percentage b... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The main source of the element magnesium in Australia is the ore magnesite, in which magnesium is present as magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
Calculate the percentage by mass of magnesium in magnesium carbonate
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To find the percentage by mass of magnesium in magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃), we first need to determine the molar mass of MgCO₃.
Calculate Molar Mass of MgCO₃:
Mg: 24.31 g/mol
C: 12.01 g/mol
O: 16.00 g/mol × 3 = 48.00 g/mol
Total = 24.31 + 12.01 + 48.00 = 84.32 g/mol
Calculate Percentage by Mass of Magnesium:
% Mg = \frac{\text{Molar Mass of } Mg}{\text{Molar Mass of } MgCO_3} \times 100%
% Mg = \frac{24.31}{84.32} \times 100 \approx 28.8%
Thus, the percentage by mass of magnesium in magnesium carbonate is approximately 28.8%.
Step 2
Magnesium carbonate reacts with aqueous hydrochloric acid according to the reaction
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The reaction of magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) with hydrochloric acid is an example of an acid-carbonate reaction, producing magnesium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide. This process can be studied to understand how different conditions affect the reaction rate.