A metal M forms an ionic compound X of formula `M_(2)(SO_(4))_(3)`.
(a) Identify the cation in X.
(b) Given the relative formula mass of X is 392, determine the relative atomic mass of metal M.
(c) (i) What is the formula of the nitrate of metal M?
(ii) Calculate the relative formula mass of nitrate compound in (c)(i).

Explanation

(a) `M^(3+)`
(b) `2( M ) + 3 [ 1 ( 32) + 4 ( 16) ] = 392`
`2M + 3 [ 96] = 392`
`2M + 288 = 392`
`M = ( 104)/( 2)= 52`
(c ) (i) `M( NO_(3))_(3)`
(ii) Relative formula mass of `M ( NO_(3))_(3)`
`= 1 ( 52) + 3 [ 1 ( 14) + 3 ( 16) ] = 238`