Benzene has the chemical formula C_6H_6. If you have 24.0 grams of benzene, how many grams of hydrogen are present in this sample?

• A. 2.06 grams
• B. 12.0 grams
• C. 4.04 grams
• D. 6.00 grams

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Determine the molar mass of benzene (C\_6H\_6) by adding the atomic masses of all atoms: 6 carbon atoms and 6 hydrogen atoms. Use atomic masses approximately 12.0 g/mol for carbon and 1.0 g/mol for hydrogen. The molar mass is calculated as \$6 \times 12.0 + 6 \times 1.0$ g/mol.
2. Calculate the mass percent of hydrogen in benzene using the formula: \(\text{mass percent H} = \frac{\text{mass of H in one mole}}{\text{molar mass of benzene}} \times 100\%\).
3. Use the mass percent of hydrogen to find the mass of hydrogen in the 24.0 g sample by multiplying: \(\text{mass of H} = \text{mass percent H} \times 24.0 \text{ g} / 100\).
4. Perform the multiplication to find the grams of hydrogen present in the 24.0 g sample of benzene.
5. Verify that the calculated mass of hydrogen is reasonable by comparing it to the total mass and the known composition of benzene.