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Molecular Mass Calculations - Worked Example Chemistry Problems

Sample Problem #2

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

Problem

Find the molecular mass of glucose, which has a molecular formula C6H12O6.

Solution

To find the molecular mass, add the atomic masses of all of the atoms in the molecule. Find the atomic mass for each element by using the mass given in the Periodic Table. Multiply the subscript (number of atoms) times the atomic mass of that element and add the masses of all of the elements in the molecule to get the molecular mass. If we round off the atomic masses to four significant figures, we get:

molecular mass C6H12O6 = 6(12.01) + 12(1.008) + 6(16.00) =180.16

Answer

180.16

For more practice, download or print these worksheets:
Formula or Molar Mass Worksheet (pdf)
Formula or Molas Mass Worksheet Answers (pdf)

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