How many molecules are present in 48.0 grams of NaOH?

• A. 1.20 × 10^{24} molecules
• B. 3.01 × 10^{24} molecules
• C. 7.20 × 10^{23} molecules
• D. 4.80 × 10^{23} molecules

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Determine the molar mass of NaOH by adding the atomic masses of sodium (Na), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H). The molar mass is calculated as \(\text{Molar mass} = M_{Na} + M_{O} + M_{H}\).
2. Calculate the number of moles of NaOH in 48.0 grams using the formula \(\text{moles} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{molar mass}}\), where the mass is 48.0 g and the molar mass is from step 1.
3. Use Avogadro's number, \$6.022 \times 10^{23}\( molecules per mole, to convert moles of NaOH to molecules with the formula \)\text{molecules} = \text{moles} \times 6.022 \times 10^{23}$.
4. Multiply the number of moles calculated in step 2 by Avogadro's number to find the total number of NaOH molecules in 48.0 grams.
5. Compare your calculated number of molecules with the given options to identify the correct answer.