PH3 Molar Mass Calculation

To calculate the molar mass of PH3, also known as phosphine, we need to understand what molar mass is and how it’s calculated. Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, and it’s calculated by summing the atomic masses of all the atoms in one molecule of the substance.

PH3 is composed of one phosphorus atom and three hydrogen atoms. The atomic mass of phosphorus (P) is approximately 30.97 g/mol, and the atomic mass of hydrogen (H) is approximately 1.01 g/mol.

Calculation Steps

1. Identify the Atomic Masses:

   • Phosphorus (P) = 30.97 g/mol
   • Hydrogen (H) = 1.01 g/mol

2. Sum the Atomic Masses:

   • The formula PH3 indicates there is 1 phosphorus atom and 3 hydrogen atoms.
   • Mass of 1 phosphorus atom = 30.97 g/mol
   • Mass of 3 hydrogen atoms = 3 * 1.01 g/mol = 3.03 g/mol

3. Calculate the Molar Mass of PH3:

   • Molar mass of PH3 = Mass of 1 phosphorus atom + Mass of 3 hydrogen atoms
   • Molar mass of PH3 = 30.97 g/mol + 3.03 g/mol
   • Molar mass of PH3 = 34.00 g/mol

Conclusion

The molar mass of PH3 (phosphine) is approximately 34.00 g/mol. This calculation is straightforward and involves summing the atomic masses of all the atoms in one molecule of PH3, utilizing the atomic masses of phosphorus and hydrogen.

Additional Information

• Chemical Properties: PH3 is a colorless, flammable, and highly toxic gas. It’s used as a precursor for the production of other phosphorus compounds and in the semiconductor industry.
• Safety Precautions: Due to its toxic nature, handling PH3 requires careful safety precautions, including the use of protective equipment and ventilation to prevent exposure.
• Environmental Impact: Phosphine can have significant environmental impacts if released into the atmosphere or water bodies, emphasizing the need for safe handling and disposal practices.

Practical Applications

Understanding the molar mass of PH3 is crucial in various chemical and industrial applications, including: - Synthesis of Phosphorus Compounds: Knowing the molar mass of PH3 is essential for calculating the quantities of reactants and products in chemical reactions. - Pesticide Formulation: PH3 is used in the production of certain pesticides, where precise formulation is critical for efficacy and safety. - Semiconductor Manufacturing: Phosphine is used in the doping process of silicon wafers. Accurate control of the amount of phosphine used is vital for the quality of the semiconductors produced.

In summary, the molar mass of PH3, calculated as approximately 34.00 g/mol, is a fundamental piece of information for both theoretical understanding and practical applications involving phosphine.