Calculate the molar mass for each of the following:a. Al₂(SO₄)₃, antiperspirant

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements in the compound Al₂(SO₄)₃: Aluminum (Al), Sulfur (S), and Oxygen (O).
2. Determine the number of each type of atom in the formula: 2 Al, 3 S, and 12 O (since there are 4 O atoms in each sulfate group and 3 sulfate groups).
3. Find the atomic mass of each element from the periodic table: Al = 26.98 g/mol, S = 32.07 g/mol, O = 16.00 g/mol.
4. Calculate the total mass for each element in the compound: (2 Al * 26.98 g/mol) + (3 S * 32.07 g/mol) + (12 O * 16.00 g/mol).
5. Add the total masses of all elements to find the molar mass of Al₂(SO₄)₃.

Key Concepts

Molar Mass

Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, typically expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all the atoms in a chemical formula. Understanding molar mass is essential for converting between grams and moles, which is a fundamental concept in stoichiometry and chemical reactions.

Chemical Formula

A chemical formula represents the composition of a compound, indicating the types and numbers of atoms present. For example, Al₂(SO₄)₃ shows that there are two aluminum (Al) atoms and three sulfate (SO₄) groups. Recognizing how to interpret chemical formulas is crucial for accurately calculating molar mass and understanding the structure of compounds.

Atomic Mass

Atomic mass is the weighted average mass of an element's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu). Each element's atomic mass is found on the periodic table and is used to determine the contribution of each atom in a compound to the overall molar mass. Familiarity with atomic masses allows for precise calculations when determining the molar mass of compounds.