Which of the following is the molar mass of molecular oxygen (O_2)?

• A. 28.02 g/mol
• B. 16.00 g/mol
• C. 18.02 g/mol
• D. 32.00 g/mol

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula of molecular oxygen, which is \(\mathrm{O_2}\), meaning it consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together.
2. Find the atomic mass of a single oxygen atom from the periodic table, which is approximately 16.00 g/mol.
3. Calculate the molar mass of \(\mathrm{O_2}\) by multiplying the atomic mass of oxygen by 2, since there are two oxygen atoms in the molecule.
4. Express the calculation as: \(\text{Molar mass of } \mathrm{O_2} = 2 \times 16.00\ \mathrm{g/mol}\).
5. Sum the values to get the total molar mass of molecular oxygen, which will help you identify the correct answer from the given options.