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How To Calculate Molecular Mass

1. Molecular mass is the sum of the atomic masses of the elements in a molecule, calculated by multiplying the atomic mass of each element by its quantity in the molecule. For example, the molecular mass of methane (CH4) is 16.043 u. 2. Average atomic mass is used in calculations instead of actual atomic masses, as many elements exist as multiple isotopes. It is calculated based on the relative abundance and atomic mass of each isotope. 3. For ionic compounds that do not contain discrete molecules, formula mass is calculated instead of molecular mass, using the chemical formula. For example, the formula mass of sodium chloride (NaCl) is 58.44 u.

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81 views1 page

How To Calculate Molecular Mass

1. Molecular mass is the sum of the atomic masses of the elements in a molecule, calculated by multiplying the atomic mass of each element by its quantity in the molecule. For example, the molecular mass of methane (CH4) is 16.043 u. 2. Average atomic mass is used in calculations instead of actual atomic masses, as many elements exist as multiple isotopes. It is calculated based on the relative abundance and atomic mass of each isotope. 3. For ionic compounds that do not contain discrete molecules, formula mass is calculated instead of molecular mass, using the chemical formula. For example, the formula mass of sodium chloride (NaCl) is 58.44 u.

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SOME BASIC CONCEPTS OF CHEMISTRY 17

to one-twelfth of the mass of one carbon - 12 1.7.3 Molecular Mass


atom. Molecular mass is the sum of atomic masses
And 1 amu = 1.66056×10–24 g of the elements present in a molecule. It is
Mass of an atom of hydrogen obtained by multiplying the atomic mass of
= 1.6736×10–24 g each element by the number of its atoms and
Thus, in terms of amu, the mass adding them together. For example, molecular
mass of methane, which contains one carbon
of hydrogen atom = atom and four hydrogen atoms, can be
obtained as follows:
= 1.0078 amu Molecular mass of methane,
= 1.0080 amu
(CH4) = (12.011 u) + 4 (1.008 u)
Similarly, the mass of oxygen - 16 (16O)
atom would be 15.995 amu. = 16.043 u
At present, ‘amu’ has been replaced by ‘u’, Similarly, molecular mass of water (H2O)
which is known as unified mass. = 2 × atomic mass of hydrogen + 1 × atomic
When we use atomic masses of elements mass of oxygen
in calculations, we actually use average
= 2 (1.008 u) + 16.00 u
atomic masses of elements, which are
explained below. = 18.02 u

1.7.2 Average Atomic Mass 1.7.4 Formula Mass


Many naturally occurring elements exist as Some substances, such as sodium chloride,
more than one isotope. When we take into do not contain discrete molecules as their
account the existence of these isotopes and constituent units. In such compounds, positive
their relative abundance (per cent occurrence), (sodium ion) and negative (chloride ion) entities
the average atomic mass of that element can are arranged in a three-dimensional structure,
be computed. For example, carbon has the as shown in Fig. 1.10.
following three isotopes with relative
abundances and masses as shown against
Isotope Relative Atomic
Abundance Mass (amu)
(%)
12
C 98.892 12
13
C 1.108 13.00335
14
C 2 ×10–10 14.00317

each of them.
From the above data, the average atomic Fig. 1.10 Packing of Na+ and Cl– ions
mass of carbon will come out to be: in sodium chloride
(0.98892) (12 u) + (0.01108) (13.00335 u) + It may be noted that in sodium chloride,
(2 × 10–12) (14.00317 u) = 12.011 u one Na+ ion is surrounded by six Cl– ion and
Similarly, average atomic masses for other vice-versa.
elements can be calculated. In the periodic The formula, such as NaCl, is used to
table of elements, the atomic masses calculate the formula mass instead of molecular
mentioned for different elements actually mass as in the solid state sodium chloride does
represent their average atomic masses. not exist as a single entity.

2022-23

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