What is the mass percent of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) in NaCl?

• A. Na: 22.7%, Cl: 77.3%
• B. Na: 39.3%, Cl: 60.7%
• C. Na: 50.0%, Cl: 50.0%
• D. Na: 60.7%, Cl: 39.3%

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molar masses of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) from the periodic table. Sodium has an approximate molar mass of 22.99 g/mol, and chlorine has an approximate molar mass of 35.45 g/mol.
2. Calculate the molar mass of sodium chloride (NaCl) by adding the molar masses of sodium and chlorine: \(M_{NaCl} = M_{Na} + M_{Cl}\).
3. Determine the mass percent of sodium in NaCl using the formula: \(\text{Mass \% of Na} = \left( \frac{M_{Na}}{M_{NaCl}} \right) \times 100\).
4. Similarly, calculate the mass percent of chlorine in NaCl using: \(\text{Mass \% of Cl} = \left( \frac{M_{Cl}}{M_{NaCl}} \right) \times 100\).
5. Compare the calculated mass percentages to the given options to identify the correct mass percent composition of sodium and chlorine in NaCl.