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Chemistry Molar Concepts

Aug 13, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers molar mass, mole calculations, Avogadro’s constant, calculating numbers of particles, and determining masses in chemical reactions using stoichiometry.

Molar Mass and Mole Calculations

  • Molar mass (M) is the mass of one mole of a substance, measured in g/mol.
  • For elements, molar mass equals the element's relative atomic mass.
  • For compounds, molar mass equals the compound's relative molecular or formula mass.
  • The formula for moles: amount of substance (mol) = mass (g) ÷ molar mass (g/mol).

Example Calculations with Moles

  • To find mass: multiply the number of moles by molar mass (e.g., 0.75 mol S × 32 g/mol = 24 g S).
  • To find moles: divide the mass by molar mass (e.g., 10.2 g CaCO₃ ÷ 100 g/mol = 0.102 mol).
  • For compounds, sum the atomic masses of all atoms to get the molar mass.

Avogadro’s Constant and Particle Calculations

  • One mole of any substance contains 6.02 × 10²³ particles (Avogadro's constant).
  • Number of molecules = moles × Avogadro’s number (e.g., 0.625 mol CH₄ × 6.02 × 10²³ = 3.76 × 10²³ molecules).
  • Number of atoms in a molecular sample = molecules × number of atoms per molecule.

Calculating Reacting Masses (Stoichiometry)

  • Use balanced equations to determine mole ratios between reactants and products.
  • Example: 6 g Ca reacts to produce 8.4 g CaO; first calculate moles, use mole ratio, then mass.
  • Example: 250 kg Fe₂O₃ converts to 175 kg Fe; convert mass to grams, calculate moles, apply mole ratio, and convert final mass as needed.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Molar Mass (M) — Mass of 1 mole of a substance, in g/mol.
  • Mole (mol) — The unit for amount of substance, representing 6.02 × 10²³ particles.
  • Relative Atomic Mass — Average mass of an atom, compared to 1/12 of a carbon-12 atom.
  • Relative Molecular Mass — Sum of relative atomic masses in a molecule.
  • Avogadro’s Constant — Number of particles in one mole (6.02 × 10²³).

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice mole and mass calculations for both elements and compounds.
  • Complete textbook exercises on calculating reacting masses with balanced equations.