Estimating the greatest mass percentage

[205192823]

When it asks to try estimate which element will have the greatest mass percentage without any calculations does that mean assume based on how many atoms of one element there are? Q:F3

[Sophia Shaka 3L]

Essentially, yes this is a good way to think about it. Once you have the formula for nitric acid, it should be pretty evident which atom has the greatest mass percentage. Having a good idea of the atomic masses of the atoms is important too.

[Maya Gollamudi 1G]

Yes, in nitric acid (NO3), if you have an approximate idea of the atomic masses of N and O you can estimate which element will have the greatest mass percentage by comparing the ratio of N to O atoms.