In Antoine Lavoisier's classic experiment, mercuric oxide is heated in a sealed container. The solid red powder is changed into two products: silver liquid mercury and oxygen gas. If Lavoisier heated 100 grams of powdered mercuric oxide to produce 93 grams of liquid mercury, how much oxygen would be released?

A). 7 grams

B). 16 grams

C). 32 grams

D). 93 grams

Question

Chemistry

Elliana Sloan

28 November, 07:10

In Antoine Lavoisier's classic experiment, mercuric oxide is heated in a sealed container. The solid red powder is changed into two products: silver liquid mercury and oxygen gas. If Lavoisier heated 100 grams of powdered mercuric oxide to produce 93 grams of liquid mercury, how much oxygen would be released?

A). 7 grams

B). 16 grams

C). 32 grams

D). 93 grams

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Amir Lyons · Answer 1

After heating the compound, it is understood that what has been released is its water content. The remaining mercuric oxide, HgO, contains 7.39% oxygen. From the given above,

(93 grams) x (0.0739) = 6.87 grams

The obtained value is closest to 7. Thus, the answer is letter A.