1. Identify the elements and their atomic masses:
* Potassium (K): 39.10 g/mol
* Carbon (C): 12.01 g/mol
* Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element in the formula:
* Potassium (K): 2 atoms
* Carbon (C): 1 atom
* Oxygen (O): 3 atoms
3. Calculate the RFM:
RFM = (2 * atomic mass of K) + (1 * atomic mass of C) + (3 * atomic mass of O)
RFM = (2 * 39.10) + (1 * 12.01) + (3 * 16.00)
RFM = 78.20 + 12.01 + 48.00
RFM = 138.21 g/mol
Therefore, the relative formula mass of potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) is 138.21 g/mol.
