To find the percentage composition of a compound, the steps should be sequenced as follows:
- Identify the correct chemical formula for the compound.
- Count out the atoms for each element using subscripts when needed.
- Multiply the numbers of atoms of each element by the mass from the periodic table to find the molar mass of the compound.
- Divide the mass of the individual element by the molar mass of the entire compound and multiply by 100 for each element.
This order ensures that you correctly identify the formula, count the atoms, calculate the molar mass, and then compute the percentage composition.