1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Chemistry

Molecular Mass Definition - Chemistry Glossary Definition of Molecular Mass

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide

Definition: A number equal to the sum of the atomic masses of the atoms in a molecule. The molecular mass gives the mass of a molecule relative to that of the 12C atom, which is taken to have a mass of 12.
Examples:
The molecular mass of C2H6 is approximately 30 or [(2 x 12) + (6 x 1)]. Therefore the molecule is about 2.5 times as heavy as the 12C atom or about the same mass as the NO atom with a molecular mass of 30 or (14+16).

Return to the Chemistry Glossary Index

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Explore Chemistry

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Chemistry
  4. Facts & Pictures
  5. Dictionaries & Glossaries
  6. Molecular Mass Definition - Chemistry Glossary Definition of Molecular Mass>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.