What is the formula mass of CaCl2?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the formula mass of calcium chloride (CaCl2). To find the formula mass, we need to sum the atomic masses of its constituent elements, calcium (Ca) and chlorine (Cl).
Answer
The formula mass of calcium chloride (CaCl2) is $110.98 \, \text{g/mol}$.
Answer for screen readers
The formula mass of calcium chloride (CaCl2) is $110.98 , \text{g/mol}$.
Steps to Solve
- Identify the atomic masses
We first need to look up the atomic masses of the elements in calcium chloride (CaCl2). The atomic mass of calcium (Ca) is approximately 40.08 g/mol, and the atomic mass of chlorine (Cl) is approximately 35.45 g/mol.
- Count the number of each type of atom
In one formula unit of CaCl2, there is 1 calcium atom and 2 chlorine atoms.
- Multiply atomic masses by the number of atoms
Next, we calculate the total mass contributed by each element:
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For calcium: $$ 1 \times 40.08 , \text{g/mol} = 40.08 , \text{g/mol} $$
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For chlorine: $$ 2 \times 35.45 , \text{g/mol} = 70.90 , \text{g/mol} $$
- Sum the contributions of all elements
Now, we add the total masses of calcium and chlorine to find the formula mass of CaCl2: $$ 40.08 , \text{g/mol} + 70.90 , \text{g/mol} = 110.98 , \text{g/mol} $$
The formula mass of calcium chloride (CaCl2) is $110.98 , \text{g/mol}$.
More Information
Calcium chloride is commonly used as a de-icing agent for roads and as a desiccant. Its formula mass is important in stoichiometric calculations in chemistry.
Tips
- Forgetting to multiply the atomic mass of chlorine by 2, since there are two chlorine atoms in the formula.
- Not rounding the atomic masses correctly based on standard periodic table values.
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