What is the formula mass for #C_6H_12O_6#?

1 Answer
Aug 21, 2016

#180.156 g/(mol)#

Explanation:

#color(blue)"We will use the formula below to answer the question:"#

atomic weight of element #xx#number of atoms given by subscript #=# formula mass

First, you want to have a periodic table available so you can determine the atomic weight of C, H, and O:

  • C has an atomic weight of 12.01 g/mol
  • H has an atomic weight of 1.008 g/mol
  • O has an atomic weight of 16.00 g/mol

From the chemical formula, we have 6 carbon atoms. Therefore, the atomic mass has to be multiplied by 6 to obtain an atomic weight of 72.06 g/mol.

There are 12 hydrogen atoms, so the atomic mass has to be multiplied by 12, which gives you a value of 12.096 g/mol

Next, you have 6 oxygen atoms, so you would multiply the atomic mass of O by 6 to obtain an atomic weight of 96.00 g/mol

Now you want to add the mass of each atom together to obtain the formula mass of the entire compound:

#color(red) ("72.06 g/mol + 12.096 g/mol + 96.00 g/mol = 180.156 g/mol")#