What percentage of the total atomic mass of lithium phosphide (Li_(3)P) is composed of phosphorus? 40% 29% 13% 60%

To determine the percentage of the total atomic mass of lithium phosphide (Li₃P) that is composed of phosphorus, we need to follow these steps:<br /><br />1. **Find the atomic masses of lithium (Li) and phosphorus (P):**<br /> - The atomic mass of lithium (Li) is approximately 6.94 u.<br /> - The atomic mass of phosphorus (P) is approximately 30.97 u.<br /><br />2. **Calculate the molar mass of lithium phosphide (Li₃P):**<br /> - Lithium phosphide consists of 3 lithium atoms and 1 phosphorus atom.<br /> - Molar mass of Li₃P = (3 × atomic mass of Li) + (1 × atomic mass of P)<br /> - Molar mass of Li₃P = (3 × 6.94 u) + (1 × 30.97 u)<br /> - Molar mass of Li₃P = 20.82 u + 30.97 u<br /> - Molar mass of Li₃P = 51.79 u<br /><br />3. **Calculate the percentage of the total atomic mass of Li₃P that is composed of phosphorus:**<br /> - Percentage of phosphorus = (atomic mass of P / molar mass of Li₃P) × 100%<br /> - Percentage of phosphorus = (30.97 u / 51.79 u) × 100%<br /> - Percentage of phosphorus ≈ 59.94%<br /><br />Therefore, the percentage of the total atomic mass of lithium phosphide (Li₃P) that is composed of phosphorus is approximately 60%.<br /><br />So, the correct answer is:<br />$60\% $