What is the molecular mass of K2SO4?

Steps to Solve

1. Identify the atomic masses of each element in the formula K2SO4

Identify the atomic masses from the periodic table:

• Potassium (K) has an atomic mass of approximately 39.1 amu.
• Sulfur (S) has an atomic mass of approximately 32.1 amu.
• Oxygen (O) has an atomic mass of approximately 16.0 amu.

2. Count the number of atoms of each element in the formula K2SO4

From the chemical formula K2SO4, we see:

• There are 2 atoms of Potassium (K).
• There is 1 atom of Sulfur (S).
• There are 4 atoms of Oxygen (O).

3. Calculate the total contribution to the molecular mass from each element

Multiply the atomic mass of each element by the number of atoms of that element in the formula:

• Potassium: $2 \times 39.1 = 78.2$ amu
• Sulfur: $1 \times 32.1 = 32.1$ amu
• Oxygen: $4 \times 16.0 = 64.0$ amu

4. Sum the contributions from each element to find the molecular mass of K2SO4

Add the individual masses from each element to get the total molecular mass: $$78.2 + 32.1 + 64.0 = 174.3 \text{ amu}$$