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Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions
Chapter 3, Problem 47a

What are the molecular weights of the following herbicides? (a) C6H6Cl2O3 (2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, effective on broadleaf plants)

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Molecular Weight Calculation

Molecular weight, or molar mass, is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. It is calculated by multiplying the number of each type of atom by its atomic weight (from the periodic table) and summing these values. For example, in C6H6Cl2O3, you would calculate the contributions from carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and oxygen to find the total molecular weight.
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Chemical Formula Interpretation

A chemical formula provides information about the types and numbers of atoms in a molecule. In C6H6Cl2O3, the subscripts indicate there are 6 carbon (C) atoms, 6 hydrogen (H) atoms, 2 chlorine (Cl) atoms, and 3 oxygen (O) atoms. Understanding how to read and interpret these formulas is essential for determining molecular weights and understanding the composition of compounds.
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Periodic Table of Elements

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized by atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Each element has a unique atomic weight, which is crucial for calculating molecular weights. Familiarity with the periodic table allows students to quickly find the necessary atomic weights needed for molecular weight calculations.
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