What percentage of the total atomic mass of lithium phosphide (Li_(3)P) is composed of lithium?? Hint -consider all three atoms of lithium in your calculation. 29% 60% 13% 40%

To find the percentage of the total atomic mass of lithium phosphide (Li3P) that is composed of lithium, we need to calculate the atomic mass of lithium and the atomic mass of phosphorus, and then determine the proportion of lithium in the compound.<br /><br />Given information:<br />- Lithium (Li) has an atomic mass of approximately 6.94 u.<br />- Phosphorus (P) has an atomic mass of approximately 30.97 u.<br /><br />Step 1: Calculate the total atomic mass of lithium phosphide (Li3P).<br />Total atomic mass of Li3P = (3 × Atomic mass of Li) + Atomic mass of P<br />Total atomic mass of Li3P3 × 6.94 u) + 30.97 u<br />Total atomic mass of Li3P = 20.82 u + 30.97 u<br />Total atomic mass of Li3P = 51.79 u<br /><br />Step 2: Calculate the percentage of the total atomic mass of lithium phosphide (Li3P) that is composed of lithium.<br />Percentage of lithium in Li3P = (Total atomic mass of lithium / Total atomic mass of Li3P) × 100<br />Percentage of lithium in Li3P = (20.82 u / 51.79 u) × 100<br />Percentage of lithium in Li3P ≈ 40.34%<br /><br />Therefore, the correct answer is 40%.