Indeed, the chemist is capable of identifying the compound present in the sample.
Explanation:
In one mole of K₂O, potassium has a mass of 2 × 39.1 g = 78.2 g, while the total mass of K₂O is 94.2 g. The mass ratio of K compared to K₂O is calculated as 78.2 g / 94.2 g = 0.830.
For 1 mole of K₂O₂, potassium's mass remains the same at 78.2 g, but the total mass of K₂O₂ is 110.2 g. The mass ratio of K to K₂O₂ then equates to 78.2 g / 110.2 g = 0.710.
When the chemist measures the mass of K in relation to the overall sample, the mass ratio can be computed.
If the mass ratio is 0.830, then it indicates a pure K₂O compound.
If the mass ratio is 0.710, it indicates a pure K₂O₂ compound.
If the mass ratio falls outside of 0.830 or 0.710, the sample is assessed to be a mixture.
