What is the first step in calculating the percent by weight of an element in a compound?

Finding the molecular weight of the compound is indeed the first step in calculating the percent by weight of an element within that compound. Percent by weight is determined by taking the mass of the specific element of interest, dividing it by the total mass of the compound, and then multiplying by 100 to express it as a percentage.

To effectively apply this calculation, having the molecular weight of the entire compound is essential. This allows for the correct understanding of how the weight of the specific element contributes to the total weight. Without knowing the molecular weight, you cannot accurately proceed to calculate the percent by weight.

The other options do not provide the necessary foundational information needed for this calculation. Determining the volume of the solution is more relevant in contexts such as solutions and concentrations but does not directly relate to percent by weight calculations of elements in compounds. Measuring solute concentration or calculating pH level pertain to other aspects of chemistry that are not directly tied to determining the percent by weight of an element in a compound.