Sodium and oxygen combine to form two compounds of which one is an a to the percentage of sodium in the other compound is 59 find the formula of this compound?

To solve this problem, we need to know the atomic masses of sodium (Na) and oxygen (O). The atomic mass of sodium is approximately 23 and that of oxygen is approximately 16.

Step 1: Calculate the mass percentage of sodium in sodium oxide (Na2O) The formula mass of Na2O is (223) + 16 = 62. The mass of sodium in Na2O is 223 = 46. So, the mass percentage of sodium in Na2O is (46/62)*100 = 74.19%.

Step 2: Compare this with the given percentage in the problem The problem states that the percentage of sodium in the other compound is 59, which is less than 74.19%. This means that the other compound must have more oxygen in relation to sodium than Na2O.

Step 3: Find the formula of the other compound If we add another oxygen atom to Na2O, we get Na2O2. Let's calculate the mass percentage of sodium in this compound. The formula mass of Na2O2 is (223) + (216) = 78. The mass of sodium in Na2O2 is 2*23 = 46. So, the mass percentage of sodium in Na2O2 is (46/78)*100 = 58.97%.

This is approximately 59%, which matches the percentage given in the problem. Therefore, the formula of the other compound is Na2O2.