What is the mass in grams of 5.32 \times 10^{22} molecules of CO_2?

• A. 0.16 g
• B. 7.8 g
• C. 1.94 g
• D. 0.39 g

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the given quantity: 5.32 \times 10^{22} molecules of CO_2.
2. Recall that to convert molecules to moles, use Avogadro's number, which is 6.022 \times 10^{23} molecules per mole. The formula is: \(\text{moles} = \frac{\text{number of molecules}}{6.022 \times 10^{23}}\).
3. Calculate the number of moles of CO_2 by dividing 5.32 \times 10^{22} molecules by Avogadro's number.
4. Determine the molar mass of CO_2 by adding the atomic masses: Carbon (C) is approximately 12.01 g/mol and Oxygen (O) is approximately 16.00 g/mol. Since CO_2 has two oxygen atoms, molar mass = 12.01 + 2 \times 16.00 g/mol.
5. Find the mass in grams by multiplying the number of moles by the molar mass of CO_2: \(\text{mass} = \text{moles} \times \text{molar mass}\).