Question

Problem Page This is the chemical formula for talc (the main ingredient in talcum powder):Mg3Si2O52OH2 An analytical chemist has determined by measurements that there are

8.915 moles of oxygen in a sample of talc. How many moles of hydrogen are in the sample?

Be sure your answer has the correct number of significant digits.

Answer 1

Talc is Mg3(Si2O5)2(OH)2 which can also be written as Mg3Si4O10O2H2 which can be written as Mg3Si4O12H2

In 1 mol of Mg3(Si2O5)2(OH)2, there are 12 moles of O and 2 moles of H

So,
moles of H = (2/12)*moles of O
= (2/12)*8.915 moles
= 1.486 mol

Answer: 1.486 mol