Calculate the molecular mass of C6H12O6.
Understand the Problem
The question asks for the calculation of the molecular mass of the compound C6H12O6, which is glucose. To solve this, we will sum the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecular formula based on the number of each type of atom present.
Answer
$180.18 \, \text{g/mol}$
Answer for screen readers
The molecular mass of glucose (C6H12O6) is $180.18 , \text{g/mol}$.
Steps to Solve
- Identify the atomic masses Determine the atomic mass of each element in glucose:
- Carbon ($C$): approximately 12.01 g/mol
- Hydrogen ($H$): approximately 1.01 g/mol
- Oxygen ($O$): approximately 16.00 g/mol
- Count the number of each atom in the molecular formula In the molecular formula $C_6H_{12}O_6$, we have:
- 6 Carbon atoms
- 12 Hydrogen atoms
- 6 Oxygen atoms
- Calculate the total mass for each element Multiply the number of each type of atom by the atomic mass:
- Total mass of Carbon: $$ 6 \times 12.01 = 72.06 \text{ g/mol} $$
- Total mass of Hydrogen: $$ 12 \times 1.01 = 12.12 \text{ g/mol} $$
- Total mass of Oxygen: $$ 6 \times 16.00 = 96.00 \text{ g/mol} $$
- Sum the total atomic masses Add all the total masses together: $$ 72.06 + 12.12 + 96.00 = 180.18 \text{ g/mol} $$
The molecular mass of glucose (C6H12O6) is $180.18 , \text{g/mol}$.
More Information
Glucose is a simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms. It is also known as blood sugar, as it is present in the bloodstream and used by cells for energy.
Tips
One common mistake is miscounting the number of atoms of each element in the molecular formula. Always double-check the formula to ensure an accurate count before performing calculations.
