Question

Approximately 50% of bone is calcium phosphate, Ca3(PO4)2. If an adult has 12 kg of bone, calculate

i)how much phosphorus is present?
ii) how much calcium is present?

Answer 1

Answer:

116.12g of P, 2322.58g Ca

Explanation:

It is a very good question..

As 50% of bone is calcium phosphate, 6kg is the mass of Ca3(PO4)2

120g Ca is present in 310g Calcium phosphate

Let x g of Ca be present in 6Kg Calcium phosphate

6000×120/310=2322.58g

Similarly,

62g P is present in 310g calcium phosphate

Let y g of P be present in 6 kg calcium phosphate

y=6000×6/310=116.12 g

Here I have assumed that you know the masses of Ca:(40),P:(31) and Ca3(PO4)2:(310). 3 moles Ca means 3×40=120g in 1 mole calcium phosphate.

2 moles P means 2×31=62g P in 1 mole calcium phosphate

Hope it helps