To calculate the molar mass of CH3COOH, also known as acetic acid, we need to sum the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecule. The atomic masses are approximately: Carbon © = 12.01 g/mol, Hydrogen (H) = 1.008 g/mol, and Oxygen (O) = 16.00 g/mol.
The molecular formula CH3COOH can be broken down as follows: - C: 2 atoms (since there’s one in the CH3 and one in the COOH) - H: 4 atoms (since there are 3 in the CH3 and 1 in the COOH) - O: 2 atoms (since there are 2 in the COOH)
Now, let’s calculate the molar mass: - For Carbon: 2 atoms * 12.01 g/mol = 24.02 g/mol - For Hydrogen: 4 atoms * 1.008 g/mol = 4.032 g/mol - For Oxygen: 2 atoms * 16.00 g/mol = 32.00 g/mol
Adding these together gives us the molar mass of CH3COOH: 24.02 g/mol + 4.032 g/mol + 32.00 g/mol = 60.052 g/mol
Rounded to the nearest whole number or to two decimal places, the molar mass of acetic acid (CH3COOH) is approximately 60.05 g/mol.
Detailed Breakdown
For a more detailed understanding, let’s reconsider the calculation with precise atomic masses and ensure we account for every atom: - The CH3 part of the molecule consists of 1 Carbon and 3 Hydrogens. - The COOH part consists of 1 Carbon, 1 Hydrogen, and 2 Oxygens.
Thus, the total count is: - Carbon: 1 (from CH3) + 1 (from COOH) = 2 - Hydrogen: 3 (from CH3) + 1 (from COOH) = 4 - Oxygen: 2 (from COOH)
Using the more precise atomic masses: - Carbon © = 12.0107 g/mol - Hydrogen (H) = 1.00794 g/mol - Oxygen (O) = 15.9994 g/mol
The calculation then is: - For Carbon: 2 * 12.0107 = 24.0214 g/mol - For Hydrogen: 4 * 1.00794 = 4.03176 g/mol - For Oxygen: 2 * 15.9994 = 31.9988 g/mol
Summing these gives a molar mass of: 24.0214 g/mol + 4.03176 g/mol + 31.9988 g/mol = 60.052 g/mol
This calculation confirms our initial approximation, providing a precise molar mass for acetic acid.
Practical Applications
Understanding the molar mass of substances like acetic acid is crucial in various chemical and biological applications. For instance, in preparing solutions of acetic acid for laboratory experiments or industrial processes, knowing the exact amount of substance (in moles) required for a specific volume of solution is vital. This requires accurate calculation of molar mass.
FAQs
What is the chemical formula for acetic acid?
+The chemical formula for acetic acid is CH3COOH.
How do you calculate the molar mass of a compound?
+To calculate the molar mass of a compound, you sum the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecule. This involves looking up the atomic masses of each element from the periodic table and then multiplying each by the number of atoms of that element in the compound, finally adding all those products together.
What are the main uses of acetic acid?
+Acetic acid, or vinegar when diluted, has various uses including as a condiment in food, in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in pharmaceutical applications, and as a reagent in laboratory settings.
