a student reported the following composition of an unknown mixture, 25% NH4Cl, 30% NaCl, and 50% SiO2. Assuming the student's calculations are correct, explain the error

Question

anonymous · Answer

The three substances add up to 105% instead of 100%.

anonymous · Answer

@asib1214 lol i am not certain i know how to answer this question correctly.

asib1214 · Answer

apart from not adding up to 100% it means that the amount of either one of those compounds is more than according to the Stoichiometry of the reaction, meaning one of those compound is in excess. For example if i have 2H2 + O2 = 2H2O, this chemical equation is balanced both quantity wise and compositely. It means that it's a complete reaction and the given amount of reactants will completely react and produce a completely new product. The composite of each element in this reaction will add up to 100% meaning the reactants completely reacted no excess reactant(s) were left over.

asib1214 · Answer

@ZDoubleM don't worry i got chu!!!! ^_^

anonymous · Answer

@asib1214 haha well said mate

asib1214 · Answer

Thanks ;)