Question

Azurite, 2 CuCO3 * Cu(OH)2 is blue and malachite, CuCO3 * Cu(OH)2 is green. Which contains the higher percentage of copper? Each formula represents a single molecule of the substance. The * means they are bonded together as one.

Answer 1

Answer:

Malachite green has highest percentage of copper.

Explanation:

Azurite: $2CuCO_3.Cu(OH)_2$

Molar mass of Azurite = M = 344.67 g/mol

Atomic mass of copper = 63.55 g/mol

Percentage of copper in Azurite :

$Cu\%=\frac{3\times 63.55 g/mol}{344.67 g/mol}\times 100=55.31\%$

The percentage of copper in an azurite is 55.31%.

Malachite: $CuCO_3.Cu(OH)_2$

Molar mass of Malachite = M = 221.12 g/mol

Atomic mass of copper = 63.55 g/mol

Percentage of copper in Malachite:

$Cu\%=\frac{2\times 63.55 g/mol}{221.12 g/mol}\times 100=57.48\%$

The percentage of copper in an malachite is 57.48%.