Let the atomic weight of element X be x and that of element Y be y.
The molar mass of a substance is the mass of one mole of that substance.
For XY2:
Molar mass =x+2y
We are given that 0.1 mole of XY2 weighs 10 g.
Therefore, the mass of 1 mole of XY2=0.110=100 g.
So, x+2y=100 --- (Equation 1)
For X3Y2:
Molar mass =3x+2y
We are given that 0.05 mole of X3Y2 weighs 9 g.
Therefore, the mass of 1 mole of X3Y2=0.059=180 g.
So, 3x+2y=180 --- (Equation 2)
Subtracting Equation 1 from Equation 2:
(3x+2y)−(x+2y)=180−100
2x=80⟹x=40
Substituting the value of x in Equation 1:
40+2y=100⟹2y=60⟹y=30
Therefore, the atomic weights of X and Y are 40 and 30 respectively.