Question for the chemists

[rickbb]

Probably a bit off topic, if so move/delete as needed.

Saw a bottled water truck yesterday with this on the side.

"Nothing but pure H2O, 11% hydrogen and 89% oxygen."

The question is, how do you get 11% and 89% out of a 2 atoms hydrogen to 1 atom oxygen molecule? Shouldn't it be 66.66% to 33.33% if it were truly "pure"?


Edit: spelling

 

[alexxx]

I am no chemist...

but is it possible that the Oxygen is heavier than Hydrogen ?

 

[g_axelsson]

I am no chemist...

but is it possible that the Oxygen is heavier than Hydrogen ?

Correct, just check the atomic weight of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

Göran

 

[FrugalRefiner]

The percentage is indeed based on the atomic weights of hydrogen and oxygen. The atomic weight of hydrogen is 1.008, oxygen is 15.999. The total atomic weight of H₂O is 18.015. The atomic weight of two hydrogens is 2.016. 2.016 / 18.015 = 11.19%.

Dave

 

[rickbb]

OK, % by weight, not number of molecules.

This is why I asked the chemists.

 

[samuel-a]

OK, % by weight, not number of molecules.

This is why I asked the chemists.

To be more exact - it is by mulecular weight % :mrgreen: