Chapter 2.3, Problem 30LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The elements that make up acetaminophen should be determined and the element that is present in the greatest proportion by the number of particles should be identified.

Concept Introduction: The simplest form of matter consisting unique set of properties is said to be elements. They are pure substances made up of only one type of atom.

Answer to Problem 30LC

The elements that make up acetaminophen are $\text{C, H, O}$ and $\text{N}$ , and hydrogen is present in the greatest proportion.

Explanation of Solution

The chemical combination of two or more elements in a fixed proportion results in the formation of a compound.

The chemical formula of acetaminophen is ${\text{C}}_{\text{8}}{\text{H}}_{\text{9}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\text{N}$ where $\text{C}$ represents carbon atoms and 8 represents the number of carbon atoms, $\text{H}$ represents hydrogen atoms and 9 represents the number of hydrogen atoms, $\text{O}$ represents oxygen atom and 2 represents the number of oxygen atoms and $\text{N}$ represents nitrogen atom and the number of nitrogen atoms is 1. Since hydrogen contains the greatest number of atoms so, hydrogen is present in the greatest proportion.