Which of the following is the correct molar mass of H2O?

• A. 17.01 g/mol
• B. 18.02 g/mol
• C. 16.00 g/mol
• D. 10.02 g/mol

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements present in the compound H2O, which are hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O).
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element in one molecule of H2O: there are 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.
3. Find the atomic masses of hydrogen and oxygen from the periodic table: approximately 1.01 g/mol for hydrogen and 16.00 g/mol for oxygen.
4. Calculate the total mass contributed by hydrogen atoms: multiply the number of hydrogen atoms by the atomic mass of hydrogen, i.e., \$2 \times 1.01$ g/mol.
5. Calculate the molar mass of H2O by adding the total mass of hydrogen atoms to the atomic mass of oxygen: \( (2 \times 1.01) + 16.00 \) g/mol.