Textbook Question
Balance the following equations. (c) NH4ClO4 + Al → Al2O3 + N2 + Cl2 + H2O
867
views
Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions
Chapter 3, Problem 44a
What are the molecular (formula) weights of the following substances? (a) Hg2Cl2 (calomel, used at one time as a bowel purgative)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the elements in the compound Hg2Cl2: Mercury (Hg) and Chlorine (Cl).
Determine the number of each type of atom in the formula: Hg2Cl2 has 2 mercury atoms and 2 chlorine atoms.
Find the atomic weights of the elements from the periodic table: Mercury (Hg) has an atomic weight of approximately 200.59 g/mol, and Chlorine (Cl) has an atomic weight of approximately 35.45 g/mol.
Calculate the total weight of mercury in the compound: Multiply the atomic weight of mercury by the number of mercury atoms (2).
Calculate the total weight of chlorine in the compound: Multiply the atomic weight of chlorine by the number of chlorine atoms (2).
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Molecular Weight
Molecular weight, or molar mass, is the mass of one mole of a substance, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is calculated by summing the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecular formula. Understanding how to determine molecular weight is essential for stoichiometric calculations in chemistry, as it allows for the conversion between grams of a substance and moles.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:45
Weight Conversion Example
Periodic Table
The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized by increasing atomic number and grouped by similar properties. Each element's atomic weight is listed, which is crucial for calculating molecular weights. Familiarity with the periodic table enables students to quickly find the necessary atomic weights for elements in a compound.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:40Periodic Table Classifications
Chemical Formula
A chemical formula represents the composition of a substance, indicating the types and numbers of atoms present. For example, Hg2Cl2 indicates that the compound contains two mercury (Hg) atoms and two chlorine (Cl) atoms. Understanding how to interpret chemical formulas is vital for determining the molecular weight and for grasping the relationships between different substances in chemical reactions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:26Skeletal Formula
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Balance the following equations. (a) CO(NH2)2(aq) + HOCl(aq) --> NCl3(aq) + CO2(aq) + H2O(l)
768
views
Textbook Question
Balance the following equations. (b) Ca3(PO4)2(s) + SiO2(s) + C(s) --> P4(g) + CaSiO3(l) + CO(g)
1172
views
Textbook Question
What are the molecular (formula) weights of the following substances? (b) C4H8O2 (butyric acid, responsible for the odor of rancid butter)
403
views
Textbook Question
What are the molecular (formula) weights of the following substances? (c) CF2Cl2 (a chlorofluorocarbon that destroys the stratospheric ozone layer
467
views
Textbook Question
In the following drawings, red spheres represent cations, and blue spheres represent anions. Match the drawings (a)–(d) with the following ionic compounds: (i) Ca3(PO4)(ii) Li2CO32(iii) FeCl2 (a)(iv) MgSO4(a) (b) (c) (d)
799
views