Combustion analysis of an unknown compound provides the following dаta: 73.5 grams carbon (C), 4.20 grams hydrogen (H) and 72.3 grams chlorine (Cl). What is the percent composition of each element in this compound?

M (C) = 73.5 g

m (H) = 4.20 g

m (Cl) = 72.3 g

mass of compound

m=m (C) + m (H) + m (Cl)

m=73.5+4.20+72.3=150 g

w (H) = 100m (H) / m

w (H) = 100*4.20/150=2.8%

w (Cl) = 100m (Cl) / m

w (Cl) = 100*72.3/150=48.2%

w (C) = 100-w (H) - w (Cl)

w (C) = 100-2.8-48.2=49.0%