Experiment No.

Molar Mass of Volatile Liquid

BAGTAS, Alfonso Paul B., CANGCO, Gerome Kaye M., DESPUES, Alexandra
Elijah T., MATEO, Isabella Therese P., PASCUAL, Lorraine Anne N., REYES,
Eunice Gabrielle A.

CM011L – OL68

INTRODUCTION

Molar mass (M) is a numeric value which quantifies the aggregate atomic mass of atoms
comprising one whole molecule of a certain element or compound (Bergstresser, 2015). This
𝑔
physical property can also be called molecular weight and it bears the unit of 𝑚𝑜𝑙 (Donev, 2020).
The molar masses of various substances differ because their molecular masses also differ, resulting
to a unique value for individual substances (Chemistry LibreTexts, 2020).

Molar mass is an essential property that is usually needed to determine the identity of a certain
substance and there are numerous ways to get its value (Beran, 2014). Methods differ for various
types of substances, being classified based on the characteristic of a molecule or substance such as
size, volatility, and the like (Gelder, Gettys & Eubanks, 2020). A common method used to quantify
the amount of a specific molar mass is the Dumas method in which the molecular weight of certain
substances which are considered volatile, are computed and determined mainly through
vaporization and weighing of the substance (Beran, 2014). The mentioned substances have low
values of physical properties such as molar mass and are typically in liquid state at room
temperature, with Dumas method as its suitable analytic process (Gelder, Gettys & Eubanks,
2020). The general process of this method involves heating a certain substance to its boiling point
in a vessel with a definite volume and measuring its pressure and temperature (Beran, 2014). The
𝑎𝑡𝑚∗𝐿
mentioned data, along with the universal gas constant valued at 0.08206 𝑚𝑜𝑙∗𝐾, are crucial in the
calculation of the molar mass of the volatile liquid.

The Dumas method makes use of the ideal gas law with the data gathered through the experiment.
In simple terms, the computations will start in determining the number of moles (n) of vapor, then
converting it to mass, and lastly, getting the molar mass.

The number of moles of the volatile liquid that went through vaporization is determined by
deriving from the ideal gas law with the equation,
𝑃𝑉
𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 = 𝑅𝑇. (1)
Consequently, the mass of the flask with the rubber band and aluminum foil will be subtracted
from the mass of the flask with the rubber band, aluminum foil, and substance signified by the
equation,
mvapor = mflask+vapor – mflask. (2)

Lastly for this part of the experiment, the molecular weight of the substance can be calculated with
the obtained data with the equation,
𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
Msubstance = 𝑛 . (3)
𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟

Another equation can be used which involves the concept of real gas behavior and the
incorporation of 2 constant values, which is the Van der Waals’ equation. This equation is
suggested to be used to acquire a more accurate molar mass value of the substance since this takes
into consideration the behavior of the significance of large molecular volumes and also
intermolecular forces. The Van der Waals’ equation is noted as,
𝑛2 𝑎
(𝑃 + ) (𝑉 − 𝑛𝑏) = 𝑛𝑅𝑇 (4)
𝑉2

Wherein a is the correctional value for the intermolecular forces taken into consideration and b,
the correctional value for the volume that gas particles take up; the two mentioned are called Van
der Waals’ constants.

The volume (V) in the previous equation is also quantified as the volume occupied by the molecule
(Vm), which can be substituted in equation (4). The equation for the volume occupied by the
molecule is,
𝑉
Vmolecule = . (5)
𝑛

With the mentioned equations and concepts, values can be obtained. In this experiment, the
physical properties of a gaseous substance such as temperature, volume, and pressure was
determined and the main objective was to quantify the molecular weight of the sample volatile
liquid through the Dumas method with ideal gas law and the Van der Waals’ equation.

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION

Table 1. List of Apparatuses and Chemicals

Erlenmeyer flask Weighing scale
Aluminum foil Laboratory thermometer
Rubber band Graduated cylinder
Syringe Barometer
Beaker Clamp
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The association between the values of temperature, pressure, and volume for gases are what
signifies the ideal gas law. (Tenny & Cooper, 2020) This is used to determine the amount of molar
mass from the unknown liquid provided on the experiment.

The whole process required two trials to be able to identify the molar mass demanded by the
experiment itself. The molar mass is significant as its value will determine the identity of the given
volatile liquid. In each trial, the mass of the flasks used were observed with both an initial and final
measurements that will be utilized for the calculations needed when the liquid has been vaporized.
The experiment also required the unit of Atmospheric Pressure and Temperature be recorded in
standard (SI) units as input for the requisite equations.

As seen in Table 2, initial data for trials 1 and 2 which were used in both the ideal gas law and Van
der Waals’ equation, were gathered, namely: the mass of the dry flask with foil and rubber band,
boiling water temperature, flask volume, and atmospheric pressure. As for the first part which is
the ideal gas law calculation, number of vapor moles was determined for both trials as seen in
Table 2, this was determined through isolating number of moles (n) in equation (1), being
quantified at a value of 4.8954×10-3. Next, the mass and molar mass of the vapor were calculated
using equation (3) with the following values obtained: for mass – trial 1 is 0.30g and trial 2 is
0.29g, and for molecular weight – trial 1 is 61.28 g/mol and trial 2 is 59.24 g/mol. Then, the average
molar mass of the two trials were obtained which was valued at 60.26 g/mol, this lead to presuming
that the volatile liquid is probably 1-propanol which had a significantly close molecular weight
value which is 60.0952 g/mol (Chemistry LibreTexts, 2020). The standard deviation and relative
standard deviation were also obtained to notice how far the values of the molecular weight of vapor
of the two trials were and 1.44 and 2.39% were the values, respectively. The significantly small
standard deviation and relative standard deviation meant that the values are close to each other.

However, the ideal gas law is not applicable to every substance as it does not account for the
variation of certain factors under certain conditions, such as pressure, density, temperature, and
intermolecular forces, having either high or low values (Khan Academy, 2015). This is because it
was not stated if the sample substance behaved ideally which calls the need for another equation
having correctional values to ensure accuracy of data since it cannot be directly assumed that the
substance has an ideal behavior and only use the ideal gas law for basis (Khan Academy, 2015).
With that, the Van der Waals’ equation was used next to modify the previous equation so that
intermolecular forces and molecular size will be considered, and the molecular weight will be more
accurate. Van der Waals’ equation requires more specificity in the calculations as it makes use of
constants. These necessary constants are unique to individual gases for the Van der Waals’
equation as compared to the ideal gas law wherein the correctional factor is cancelled out because
ideal gases have a value of zero for a and b, not needing any kind of numeric corrections (Gelder,
Gettys & Eubanks, 2020).

With equation (5) substituted in equation (4), the number of vapor moles can be determined by
isolating the pressure (P) variable and introducing two Van der Waals’ constants, namely: a as a
correctional value considering the intermolecular forces, and b which considers the volume
𝑅𝑇 𝑎
occupied by the gas, P = 𝑉 − 𝑉 2. Same data values of pressure, volume, and temperature in
−𝑏 ( )
𝑛 𝑛
Table 2 were used in this part. The Van der Waals constants a and b were given at a value of 15.61
𝑎𝑡𝑚∗𝐿2 𝐿
and 0.1109 𝑚𝑜𝑙 , respectively.
𝑚𝑜𝑙2

As seen in Table 3, the value obtained for the number of moles of vapor for trials 1 and 2 were
both 4.9615×10-3 moles since the data values for this part were the same for both trials. Then, the
next unidentified component is the mass of the vaporized liquid, plotting the given values in
equation (2), Trial 1 had a mass of 0.30g and Trial 2 had 0.29g. Having solved for the number of
moles and the unit of mass, using Equation (3) the molar mass of the compound can be solved and
𝑔 𝑔
led to the result of 60.47𝑚𝑜𝑙 for Trial 1 and 58.45𝑚𝑜𝑙 for Trial 2. The mean of those two values
were then calculated and the average molar mass in this part was calculated to be 59.46 g/mol,
having a 0.8 difference from the average molar mass obtained through the ideal gas law. Both the
standard deviation and relative standard deviation have small values, which again indicates that
the data obtained are significantly close to each other. The calculated average molecular weight in
this part is still close to the molecular weight of the presumed substance, 1-propanol. This
concludes that the sample substance in the experiment is the alcohol, 1-propanol.

Report Sheet

Ideal Gas Law (PV= nRt)

Table 2. Data for Ideal Gas Law

Parameters Trial 1 Trial 2

A. Preparation of sample

1. Mass of dry flask, foil, and rubber band (g) 74.08 74.07

B. Vaporization of sample

2. Temperature of boiling water (K) 372.65 372.65

3. Mass of dry flask, foil, rubber band, and
74.38 74.36
vapor (g)
C. Determining the volume and Pressure of the Vapor

1. Volume of flask (L) 0.150 0.150

2. Atmospheric pressure (atm) 0.998 0.998

D. Calculations
 4.8954x10−3 4.8954x10−3
1. Moles of vapor, 𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 (mol)

2. Mass of vapor, 𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 (g) 0.30 0.29

𝑔
3. Molar mass of vapor (𝑚𝑜𝑙) 61.28 59.24

4. Average molar mass 60.26

5. Standard deviation of molar mass 1.44

6. Relative standard deviation of molar mass

2.39
(%RSD)

Calculations

Trial 1
𝑃𝑉
Moles of vapor (n) = 𝑅𝑇

0.998𝑎𝑡𝑚 (0.15𝐿)
= 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿
0.08206 (372.65𝐾)
𝑚𝑜𝑙.𝐾

= 4.8954x10−3 mol

Mass of vapor, 𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 (g) = 𝑚𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑘+𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 − 𝑚𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑘

=74.38g – 74.08g

= 0.30g
𝑔 𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
Molar mass of vapor 𝑚𝑜𝑙= 𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟

0.30𝑔
=
4.8954𝑥10−3

𝑔
= 61.28𝑚𝑜𝑙

Trial 2
𝑃𝑉
Moles of vapor (n) = 𝑅𝑇
 0.998𝑎𝑡𝑚 (0.15𝐿)
= 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿
0.08206 (372.65𝐾)
𝑚𝑜𝑙.𝐾

= 4.8954x10−3 mol

Mass of vapor, 𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 (g) = 𝑚𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑘+𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 − 𝑚𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑘

=74.36g – 74.08g

= 0.29g
𝑔 𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
Molar mass of vapor 𝑚𝑜𝑙= 𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟

0.29𝑔
=
4.8954𝑥10−3

𝑔
= 59.24𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠1 + 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠2

Average Molar Mass (x̅) = 2

𝑔 𝑔
61.28 + 59.24
𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙
Average Molar Mass (x̅) = 2

𝑔
Average Molar Mass (x̅) = 60.26𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝛴(𝑥−x̅)2
Standard Deviation of Molar Mass (s) = √ , where n is the number trials
𝑛−1

𝑔 𝑔 2 𝑔 𝑔 2
(61.28 − 60.26 ) +(59.24 − 60.26 )
s =√ 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙
2−1

= 1.4435 ≈1.44

= 1.44

𝑆(100)
Relative Standard Deviation of Molar Mass (%) =
𝑥̅

1.44(100)
= 60.26

= 2.39%
 𝒏𝟐 𝒂
Van der Waals [nRT= (P + )(V-nb)]
𝑽𝟐

Table 3. Data for Van der Waals’ equation

Trial 1 Trial 2
A. Calculations (Van der Waals)

4.9615x10−3 4.9615x10−3
1. Moles of vapor, 𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 (mol)

2. Mass of vapor, 𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 (g) 0.30 0.29

𝑔
3. Molar mass of vapor (𝑚𝑜𝑙) 60.47 58.45

4. Average molar mass 59.46

5. Standard deviation of molar mass 1.43

6. Relative standard deviation of molar mass

2.40%
(%RSD)

Calculations

Trial 1

Moles of vapor 𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 (𝑚𝑜𝑙)

𝑅𝑇 𝑎
P =𝑉 − 2
𝑚 −𝑏 𝑉𝑚

𝑅𝑇 𝑎
P =𝑉 − 𝑉
−𝑏 ( )2
𝑛 𝑛

𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿2
0.08206 (372.65𝐾) 15.61
𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙2
0.998 atm = 0.15𝐿 𝐿 − 0.15𝐿 2
− 0.1109 ( )
𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑛

𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿2
30.597 15.61
𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙
0.998 atm= 𝐿 − 0.0225𝐿2
0.15𝐿 − 0.1109 (𝑛) ( )
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑛 𝑛2

𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿2 2)
30.5797 (𝑛) 15.61 (𝑛
𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙2
0.998 atm= 𝐿 −
0.15−0.1109 (𝑛) 0.0225𝐿2
𝑚𝑜𝑙
 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿2 2 𝐿
30.5797 (0.225𝐿2 )(𝑛)− 15.61 (𝑛 )[0.15𝐿 − 0.1109 (𝑛)]
𝑚𝑜𝑙.𝐾 𝑚𝑜𝑙2 𝑚𝑜𝑙
0.988 atm= 𝐿
[0.15𝐿 − 0.1109 (𝑛)](0.0225𝐿2 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙

0.988 atm [3.375𝑥10−3 − 2.495𝑥10−3 (𝑛)] = 0.68804324𝑛 − 15.61𝑛2 (0.15 − 0.1109𝑛)

3.368𝑥10−3 − 2.4900𝑥10−3 (𝑛) = 0.68804342𝑛 − 2.3415𝑛2 + 1.711𝑛3

𝑛 = 4.9615𝑥10−3 𝑚𝑜𝑙

Mass of vapor, 𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 (g) = 𝑚𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑘+𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 − 𝑚𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑘

=74.38g – 74.08g

= 0.30g

𝑔 𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
Molar mass of vapor 𝑚𝑜𝑙= 𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟

0.30𝑔
=
4.9615𝑥10−3

= 60.465 ≈ 60.47
𝑔
= 60.47𝑚𝑜𝑙

Trial 2

Moles of vapor [𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 (𝑚𝑜𝑙)]

𝑅𝑇 𝑎
P =𝑉 − 2
𝑚 −𝑏 𝑉𝑚

𝑅𝑇 𝑎
P =𝑉 − 𝑉
−𝑏 ( )2
𝑛 𝑛

𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿2
0.08206 (372.65𝐾) 15.61
𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙2
0.998 atm = 0.15𝐿 𝐿 − 0.15𝐿 2
− 0.1109 ( )
𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑛

𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿2
30.597 15.61
𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙
0.998 atm= 𝐿 − 0.0225𝐿2
0.15𝐿 − 0.1109 (𝑛) ( )
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑛 𝑛2
 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿2 2)
30.5797 (𝑛) 15.61 (𝑛
𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙2
0.998 atm= 𝐿 − 2
0.15−0.1109 (𝑛) 0.0225𝐿
𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿 𝑎𝑡𝑚.𝐿2 2 𝐿
30.5797 (0.225𝐿2 )(𝑛)− 15.61 (𝑛 )[0.15𝐿 − 0.1109 (𝑛)]
𝑚𝑜𝑙.𝐾 𝑚𝑜𝑙2 𝑚𝑜𝑙
0.988 atm= 𝐿
[0.15𝐿 − 0.1109 (𝑛)](0.0225𝐿2 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙

0.988 atm [3.375𝑥10−3 − 2.495𝑥10−3 (𝑛)] = 0.68804324𝑛 − 15.61𝑛2 (0.15 − 0.1109𝑛)

3.368𝑥10−3 − 2.4900𝑥10−3 (𝑛) = 0.68804342𝑛 − 2.3415𝑛2 + 1.711𝑛3

n = 4.9615𝑥10−3 𝑚𝑜𝑙

Mass of vapor, 𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 (g) = 𝑚𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑘+𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 − 𝑚𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑘

=74.36g-74.07g

= 0.29g

𝑔 𝑚𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
Molar mass of vapor 𝑚𝑜𝑙= 𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟

0.29𝑔
=
4.9615𝑥10−3

𝑔
= 58.45𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠1 + 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠2

Average Molar Mass (x̅) = 2

𝑔 𝑔
60.47 + 58.45
𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙
Average Molar Mass (x̅) = 2

𝑔
Average Molar Mass (x̅) = 59.46 𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝛴(𝑥−x̅)2
Standard Deviation of Molar Mass (s) = √ , where n is the number trials
𝑛−1

𝑔 𝑔 2 𝑔 𝑔 2
(60.47 − 59.46 ) +(58.45 − 59.46 )
Standard Deviation of Molar Mass(s) =√ 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙
2−1

Standard Deviation of Molar Mass (s) = 1.428 ≈1.43

 = 1.43
𝑆(100)
Relative Standard Deviation of Molar Mass (%) = 𝑥̅

1.43(100)
= 59.46

= 2.40%

Pre-Laboratory Assignment

1. a. How is the pressure of the vaporized liquid determined in this experiment?

Through the use of a barometer, the pressure inside the flask can be measured during
the heating process. The barometer measures by kilo-Joules Pascals (kJP) and millimeter
Mercury (mmHg). However, due to the small hole on the aluminum foil that is covering
the mouth of the Erlenmeyer flask, the unit of pressure required is atmospheric (atm).
Therefore, the pressure of the vapor is first measured in mmHg and then converted into
atm for the accuracy of results when using the gas laws.

b. How is the volume of the vaporized liquid determined in this experiment?

The volume can be measured from the amount of water that fills the whole Erlenmeyer
flask. During the heating process, the liquid evaporates and is contained by the flask and
the foil covering the top with a small hole on the foil. Due to a constant application of
heat, only the impurities will escape through that hole and the rest of the vapor will only
move around within the flask, in this sense, the volume of the vaporized liquid in the flask
is equal to the volume of water in the flask. After measuring the final mass of the flask,
the flask is then filled to the lip of the mouth with water, then the water is transferred to
a graduated cylinder to accurately measure the volume of the vapor present during the
heating process.

c. How is the temperature of the vaporized liquid determined in the experiment?

After putting an amount of the unknown substance to the flask, the next step is the
determination of the temperature of the vaporized liquid. The flask would be able to reach
the temperature of the boiling water as it is submerged in it and the unknown liquid in
the flask will reach vaporization. As the water is boiled (not reaching 100C), the
temperature of the vaporized liquid will be known since the water will have a tantamount
temperature with the flask and the substance inside.

d. How is the mass of the vaporized liquid determined in this experiment?

In the first part of the experiment, the mass of the empty flask with both the foil and the
rubber band was noted. After the substance had been vaporized and the flask was cooled,
it was weighed in order to know the mass of the flask with the vaporized liquid. To get
 the exact mass of the substance, the data of masses earlier are used. The mass of the flask
(with aluminum foil and rubber band) after the substance has been vaporized and the
flask has been cooled is subtracted from the initial mass of the flask with aluminum foil,
rubber band, and the substance before submerging into the hot water, to be able to
determine the mass of the vaporized liquid which has been condensed.

2. The ideal gas law equation (equation 12.1) is an equation used for analyzing ideal gases.
According to the kinetic molecular theory defines an ideal gas, no ideal gases exist in nature,
only real gases. Van der Waals’ equation is an attempt to make corrections to real gases that
do not exhibit ideal behaviour. Describe the type of gaseous molecules that are most
susceptible to non-ideal behaviour.
The type of gases manifesting non-ideal behavior are gases having attractive as well as
repulsive forces in and between their molecules and whose particles have volume. The
behavior of the gases will be non-ideal if we veer away from the compressibility factor (Z)
which is equal to 1, this will change if we increase the pressure past a certain point then Z will
become larger than 1 deviating from the ideal gas line.

3. a. The following data were recorded in determining the molar mass of a volatile liquid following
the Experimental Procedure of this experiment. Complete the table for analysis. (See Report
Sheet.) Record calculated values with the correct number of significant figures

Calculation Zone

A. Preparing the sample

1. Mass of dry flask, foil, and rubber Part D.1

74.722
band (g)
B. Vaporize the Sample

2. Temperature of boiling water (˚C) 98.7

3. Mass of dry flask, foil, rubber

774.921
band, and vapor (g)
C. Determine the volume and
Pressure of the Vapor
1. Volume of 125mL flask (L) 0.152 Part D.2

2. Atmospheric pressure (torr, atm) 752, 0.989

D. Calculations

1. Moles of vapor, nvapor (mol) 4.9265×103 Part D.3

 T = 98.7 + 273. 15
T = 371.85K
0.989 𝑎𝑡𝑚(0.152𝐿)
n= 𝑎𝑡𝑚∗𝐿
0.08206 (371.85𝐾)
𝑚𝑜𝑙∗𝐾
n = 4.9265×10-3

2. Mass of vapor, mvapor (g) m = 74.921g - 74.722g

0.20 m = 0.1880 g ≈ 0.20g

3. Molar mass of vapor (g/mol) 0.20𝑔

Molar mass = 4.9265×10−3
40.60
Molar mass = 40.60 g/mol

3. b. For trials 2 and 3, the molar mass of the vapor was determined to be 46.5 g/mol and 43.1
g/mol respectively.

a. What is the average molar mass of the vapor? Data Analysis, B.

40.60 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 + 46.5 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 + 43.1 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙

= 43.4 g/mol
3

b. What are the standard deviation and the relative standard deviation (%RSD) for the molar
mass of the vapor? Data Analysis, C and D.

(40.60 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 − 43.4 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙) 2 + (46.5 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 − 43.4 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙) 2 + (43.1 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 − 43.4 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙) 2
√ = 2.96
3−1

2.96 (100)
%RSD = = 6.82%
43.4

4. a. If the atmospheric pressure of the flask is assumed to be 760 torr in question 3, what is the
reported molar mass of the vapor?
Given that:
m = 0.199g
T = 98.7C + 273 = 371.7 K
1 𝑎𝑡𝑚
𝑃 = 760 𝑇𝑜𝑟𝑟 ∗ = 1𝑎𝑡𝑚
760 𝑇𝑜𝑟𝑟
V = 0.152L
R = 0.08206 atm*L/mol*K
𝜌𝑅𝑇
Using the formula 𝑀 = 𝑃
 0.199𝑔
( )(0.08206 (𝐿 ∗ 𝑎𝑡𝑚/ 𝐾 ∗ 𝑚𝑜𝑙))(371.7𝐾)
𝑀 = 0.152𝐿 = 𝟑𝟗. 𝟗𝟑𝒈/𝒎𝒐𝒍
1𝑎𝑡𝑚

The reported molar mass of the vapor is 39.93 g/mol.

5. b. What is the percent error caused by the error in the recording of the pressure of the vapor?
𝑀1 − 𝑀2
% 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝑥100
𝑀𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒
0.45𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙
% 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝑥100% =1.12%
40.155𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙

The percent error caused by the mentioned miscalculation is 1.12%.

Laboratory Questions

1. Part A.1. The mass of the flask (before the sample is placed into the flask) is measured
when the outside of the flask is wet. However, in Part B.3, the outside of the flask is dried
before its mass is measured.
a. Will the mass of vapor in the flask will be reported as too high or too low, or will it be
unaffected? Explain.
The mass will be recorded as too low. This is due to the added mass of the water on the
outside of the flask, when the flask is weighed after the heating process, the difference
will be smaller to that if the flask did not have the extra mass from the small drops of
water. This will lead to an inaccurate result when used in the gas laws formulas.
b. Will the molar mass of vapor in the flask be reported as too high or too low, or will it
be unaffected? Explain.
The computed molar mass will be too low. Due to the low-value result of mass of the
vapor after being used in other equations, the outcome will be lower than what it should
be. This discrepancy can possibly lead to an incorrect identity of the volatile liquid as
it is based on the molar mass of the sample.

2. Part A. 1. From the time the mass of the flask is first measured in Part A. 1 until the time
it is finally measured in Part B. 3, it is handled a number of times with oily fingers. Does
this lack of proper technique result in the molar mass of the vapor in the flask being
reported as too high, too low, or unaffected? Explain.
The experiment requires the weight of the flask when it is dry as an initial value of the mass
vapor but the flask will be weighed after the reaction is observed as the final mass value
that will be utilized on the calculations, thus the presence of any oil grease on the flask
leads to relatively higher mass of the vapor than expected. This improper execution will
cause outcome changes specifically an increased value of the molar mass of the vapor.

3. Part A. 2. The aluminum foil is pierced several times with a large pencil-size holes instead
of pin-size.
 a. How will this oversight in the procedure affect the mass of vapor measured in Part B.3.,
too high, too low, or unaffected? Explain.
In this kind of technical error, the values will be measured as too low simply because
more water vapor would be released because the hole allows more vapor to escape. With
more vapor being released, amount of vapor inside the flask will decrease and this will
consequently lead to assuming that the mass of vapor present in the sample is less since
a portion of it has already been released through the pencil-sized holes.
b. Will the report molar mass of the liquid be reported too low, too high, or unaffected?
Explain.
The calculated molar mass of the liquid be recorded as too low since the release of more
water vapor occurred due to bigger aluminum cover openings. This is because the molar
mass is based on the mass (m) and number of moles (n) of the sample, and lower mass
values will lead to a decrease in its molar mass since the mass value is in the numerator
𝑚
of the molar mass equation, MW = 𝑛 , producing an inaccuracy in calculations.

4. Part B. 2. The flask is completely filled with vapor only when it is removed from the hot
water bath in Part B. 3. However, when the flask cools, some of the vapor condenses in the
flask. As a result of this observation, will the reported molar mass of the liquid be too high,
too low, or unaffected? Explain.
In theory and basing on the ideal gas law, the pressure of the flask should be reduced as
temperature is directly inversely proportional which will result in fewer moles due to the
lowering of pressure. But in this case, the substance only shifted to another state without
undergoing any chemical reaction that may cause a difference in the substance
composition, the molar mass will be unaffected, if there is any, it would be insignificant.

5. Part B. 2. Suppose the thermometer is miscalibrated to read 0.3 °C higher than actual. Does
this error in calibration result in the molar mass of the vapor in the flask being reported as
too high, too low, or as unaffected? Explain.
In determining the molar mass of the vapor (g/mol), values of the mass and number of
moles of the vapor are needed. If the temperature reading is increased (by 0.3 °C in this
case), the calculations will be affected, and the molar mass of vapor will be recorded as
too low. This is because temperature is a factor in getting the number of moles, which is
used in computing for the molar mass. Since the number of moles share an inversely
proportional relationship with temperature in the ideal gas law, a decrease in temperature
would mean an increase in the number of moles. Consequently, a higher number of moles
will result to a lower molar mass because they also share an inverse relationship in the
𝑚
equation, 𝑀 = 𝑛 .

6. Part C.1. If the volume of the flask is assumed to be 125mL instead of the measured
volume, would the calculated molar mass of the unknown liquid be too high, too low, or
unaffected by this experimental error? Explain.
 The concept of the ideal gas law is observed in the experiment where both the values of the
temperature and pressure are fixed once the volume corresponds to the amount of moles.
Hence, if the volume is decreased from 150mL to 125mL, it will relatively change the
outcome into a lower calculated number of moles.

7. Part C.2 The pressure reading from the barometer is recorded higher than it actually is.
How does this affect the reported molar mass of the liquid: too high, too low, or unaffected?
Explain.
The molar mass value usually differs by contrast on the given point of pressure. Since the
molar mass is indirectly proportional to the pressure which is derived from the equation,
𝑚𝑅𝑇
M = 𝑃𝑉 , higher values of pressure will directly result in the decrease of the molar mass
of the liquid. To expound, if the reported pressure is higher than its presumed value, it will
affect the measurements of the liquid by an excessive drop on its molecular weight, being
recorded as too low.

CONCLUSION

Through the experiment, the molecular weight of the volatile liquid was successfully determined
through the Dumas method and calculations through both the ideal gas law and Van der Waals’
equations. It was determined that the average molar mass of the volatile liquid obtained using ideal
gas law and Van der Waals’ equation are 60.26 g/mol and 59.46 g/mol, respectively. It can be
concluded that the unknown substance is 1-propanol since it has a molar mass of 60.0952 g/mol
which is close and approximately equal to the obtained molar mass of the substance through the
two calculations. Concepts were also learned through the experiment such as although gas in its
form is less dense, both states of matter remains the same in some parts of their components even
after transitions. For example, the number of moles in a liquid remains the same even after it is
vaporized. This concludes that substances can remain constant in their measurements even with
after phase change. Furthermore, the significance of the experiment to the scientific industry is
that it can be used to study volatile substances and its period of changes so scientists are able to
determine its identity and know how to categorize them. However, the data obtained from this
experiment may have discrepancies because of some sources of error like the hole poked into the
aluminum foil. The one conducting the experiment should handle the syringe carefully so that the
hole will not become big because that may cause the unwanted release of vapor that will definitely
cause a decrease in the amount of substance vapor than its actual amount. Also, the reading
accuracy and proper calibration of apparatuses should be ensured like the thermometer and
barometer. Inaccurate reading caused by the lack of proper calibration of these apparatuses will
consequently affect the calculation of the molar mass, leading to either a higher or lower value.
Lastly, the containers such as flasks used in the experiment should be completely dry before any
substance is poured into it. It should be ensured that after washing and wiping it clean, it should
be dried in the oven to make sure excess moisture will not be present and will not be able to
contribute to the miscalculation of the molar mass of the substance.
REFERENCES

Beran, J. A. (2014). Laboratory Manual for Principles of General Chemistry (10th ed.). Hoboken
(N.J.), Texas: Wiley.

Bergstresser, M. (2015, December 30). What is Molar Mass? Retrieved from

https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-molar-mass-definition-formula-examples.html

Chemistry LibreTexts. (2020, August 13). Molar Mass. Retrieved from

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Book:_Introductory_Ch
emistry_Online_(Young)/04:_The_Mole_and_Measurement_in_Chemistry/4.2:_Molar_
Mass

Chemistry LibreTexts. (2020, August 10). Physical Properties of Alcohols. Retrieved from
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Book:_The_Basics_of_
GOB_Chemistry_(Ball_et_al.)/14:_Organic_Compounds_of_Oxygen/14.02:_Physical_Pr
operties_of_Alcohols

Donev, J. (2020, January 31). Molar mass. Retrieved from

https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Molar_mass

Gelder, J., Gettys, N., & Eubanks, D. (2020). Dumas Method. Retrieved from
https://intro.chem.okstate.edu/HTML/SEXP8.HTM

Khan Academy. (2015). What is the ideal gas law? Retrieved from
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/thermodynamics/temp-kinetic-theory-
ideal-gas-law/a/what-is-the-ideal-gas-law

Tenny, K. M., & Cooper, J. S. (2020, April 25). Ideal Gas Behavior. Retrieved from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28722965/