as seen elsewhere

To determine the relative atomic mass of M, we first need to find out the atomic masses of the elements present in M2CO3.

Assuming the atomic mass of O is 16, C is 12, and M is x:
690 = 2(x) + 16 + 12
690 = 2x + 28
662 = 2x
x = 331
Therefore, the relative atomic mass of M is 331, I thought it is supposed to be (16x3)?

1 answer

The calculation provided is correct for finding the relative atomic mass of M in M2CO3. In this compound, there are two oxygen atoms with a total atomic mass of 16 x 2 = 32, one carbon atom with an atomic mass of 12, and two atoms of M with a total atomic mass of 2x.

Adding up all the atomic masses gives us:
690 = 2(x) + 32 + 12
690 = 2x + 44
646 = 2x
x = 323

Therefore, the relative atomic mass of M in M2CO3 is indeed 323.