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Molar Mass and Conversion Techniques

Jun 19, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers how to calculate molar mass, use molar mass as a conversion factor between grams, moles, molecules, and atoms, and solve stoichiometric problems involving compounds like propanol, calcium nitrate, and sulfuric acid.

Calculating Molar Mass

  • Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, calculated using the periodic table.
  • To find molar mass, sum the masses of each element in the compound multiplied by the number of atoms present.
  • Example: One mole of propanol (C₃H₈O) contains 3 moles C, 8 moles H, and 1 mole O.
  • Use atomic masses (e.g., C = 12.011 g/mol) multiplied by the number of atoms, then add together for total molar mass.

Using Molar Mass in Conversions

  • To convert moles to grams: multiply moles by the compound's molar mass.
  • To convert grams to moles: divide grams by the compound's molar mass.
  • Example: 0.25 moles of propanol × 60.0956 g/mol = 15 g propanol.
  • Example: 1.2 g propanol ÷ 60.0956 g/mol = 0.01996 moles of propanol.

Handling Polyatomic Compounds

  • For compounds like calcium nitrate, apply the distributive property for groups in parentheses.
  • Example: Ca(NO₃)₂ contains 1 Ca, 2 N, and 6 O atoms per formula unit.
  • Calculate molar mass using atomic weights and numbers of atoms.

Molecules and Atoms Calculations

  • To convert grams to molecules: go from grams → moles → molecules using Avogadro’s number (6.022 × 10²³).
  • To find atoms (e.g., C in propanol): go from grams → moles (compound) → moles (element) → atoms (element).
  • Example: 1.2 g propanol contains 3.607 × 10²² atoms of carbon.

Nanograms Calculation and Dimensional Analysis

  • To convert between molecules and nanograms: molecules → moles → grams → nanograms (1 ng = 10⁻⁹ g).
  • Example: 9.24 × 10¹⁴ molecules H₂SO₄ equals 150 nanograms.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Mole — the amount of substance containing 6.022 × 10²³ entities (Avogadro’s number).
  • Molar Mass — the mass in grams of one mole of a substance.
  • Avogadro’s Number — 6.022 × 10²³, the number of particles in a mole.
  • Dimensional Analysis — a method to convert between units using conversion factors.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice calculating molar masses for assigned compounds.
  • Complete conversion exercises between grams, moles, molecules, and atoms as homework.
  • Review periodic table atomic masses for accuracy in calculations.