In Kjeldahl's method, nitrogen present in the compound is converted into ammonia, which is absorbed by a known volume of standard acid.
Given volume of sulfuric acid = 15 mL = 0.015 L Molarity of H2SO4 = 1 M
Moles of H2SO4 used:
$$ = 1 \times 0.015 = 0.015 \text{ mol} $$
Neutralization reaction:
$$ 2NH_3 + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow (NH_4)_2SO_4 $$
One mole of H2SO4 reacts with two moles of NH3.
Moles of NH3 evolved:
$$ = 2 \times 0.015 = 0.030 \text{ mol} $$
Each mole of ammonia contains one mole of nitrogen.
Mass of nitrogen:
$$ = 0.030 \times 14 = 0.42 \text{ g} $$
Percentage of nitrogen in the compound:
$$ = \frac{0.42}{1.0} \times 100 = 42\% $$
Hence, the correct answer is 42.
Updated for JEE Main 2026: This PYQ is important for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and other competitive exams. Practice more questions from this chapter.