What is the difference in the molecular mass of baking soda and quicklime
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To calculate the molecular masses of baking soda and quicklime, we need to examine their chemical formulas.
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
The chemical formula for baking soda is NaHCO₃.
- Sodium (Na): 22.99 g/mol
- Hydrogen (H): 1.008 g/mol
- Carbon (C): 12.01 g/mol
- Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol (there are 3 oxygen atoms)
So, the molecular mass of baking soda is:
22.99 + 1.008 + 12.01 + (3 × 16.00) = 84.01 g/mol
Quicklime (Calcium Oxide)
The chemical formula for quicklime is CaO.
- Calcium (Ca): 40.08 g/mol
- Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol
So, the molecular mass of quicklime is:
40.08 + 16.00 = 56.08 g/mol
Difference in Molecular Mass
Now, to find the difference in molecular mass between baking soda and quicklime:
84.01 g/mol (baking soda) – 56.08 g/mol (quicklime) = 27.93 g/mol
So, the difference in molecular mass between baking soda and quicklime is 27.93 g/mol.
Explanation
The molecular mass of a compound is determined by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms in its formula. Baking soda contains sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms, making it a more complex compound compared to quicklime, which only consists of calcium and oxygen atoms. This complexity gives baking soda a higher molecular mass. The difference in mass (27.93 g/mol) reflects the additional elements (such as sodium and carbon) in baking soda compared to quicklime.
