What percentage of the total atomic mass of carbon monoxide (CO) is composed of carbon? 73% 29% 43% 57%

To determine the percentage of the total atomic mass of carbon monoxide (CO) that is composed of carbon, we need to know the atomic masses of carbon (C) and oxygen (O).<br /><br />The atomic mass of carbon (C) is approximately 12.01 amu.<br />The atomic mass of oxygen (O) is approximately 16.00 amu.<br /><br />The molecular mass of carbon monoxide (CO) is the sum of the atomic masses of carbon and oxygen:<br />\[ \text{Molecular mass of CO} = 12.01 \, \text{amu} + 16.00 \, \text{amu} = 28.01 \, \text{amu} \]<br /><br />Next, we calculate the percentage of the total atomic mass of CO that is due to carbon:<br />\[ \text{Percentage of carbon} = \left( \frac{\text{Atomic mass of C}}{\text{Molecular mass of CO}} \right) \times 100\% \]<br />\[ \text{Percentage of carbon} = \left( \frac{12.01}{28.01} \right) \times 100\% \]<br />\[ \text{Percentage of carbon} \approx 42.88\% \]<br /><br />Therefore, the closest answer from the given options is:<br />\[ 43\% \]<br /><br />So, the percentage of the total atomic mass of carbon monoxide (CO) that is composed of carbon is approximately 43%.