Calculate the molar mass of K2SO4 (Use Masses K: 39.103, O: 15.935 and S:
32.053). You must show full calculation for credit
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Calculation of the Molar Mass of K₂SO₄
To determine the molar mass of potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), we need to sum up the atomic masses of its constituent elements: potassium (K), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O).
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Potassium (K):
- There are two potassium (K) atoms.
- Atomic mass of K = 39.103 g/mol
- Total mass from potassium = 2 × 39.103 = 78.206 g/mol
- Sulfur (S):
- There is one sulfur (S) atom.
- Atomic mass of S = 32.053 g/mol
- Total mass from sulfur = 32.053 g/mol
- Oxygen (O):
- There are four oxygen (O) atoms.
- Atomic mass of O = 15.935 g/mol
- Total mass from oxygen = 4 × 15.935 = 63.740 g/mol
Final Molar Mass Calculation:
[
\text{Molar mass of K₂SO₄} = 78.206 + 32.053 + 63.740
]
[
= 173.999 \, \text{g/mol}
]
Explanation (300 words)
The molar mass of a compound represents the mass of one mole of its molecules and is expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). To find the molar mass, we add the atomic masses of all atoms in the chemical formula.
In the case of potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), the compound consists of two potassium (K) atoms, one sulfur (S) atom, and four oxygen (O) atoms. Each element has a known atomic mass:
- Potassium (K) has a mass of 39.103 g/mol,
- Sulfur (S) has a mass of 32.053 g/mol, and
- Oxygen (O) has a mass of 15.935 g/mol.
By multiplying these atomic masses by the number of atoms present in the formula and summing them, we obtain the total molar mass.
This calculation is essential in various chemical applications, such as stoichiometry, where we determine the amount of a substance needed or produced in a reaction. It is also crucial in pharmaceuticals, material science, and industry to ensure the correct amounts of chemicals are used.
For example, in agriculture, potassium sulfate is a widely used fertilizer. Knowing its molar mass allows chemists to calculate the precise amount needed to provide an adequate supply of potassium and sulfur to crops.
By understanding how to compute molar mass accurately, chemists can make precise calculations for chemical reactions, ensuring efficiency and preventing wastage of materials.
Thus, the molar mass of K₂SO₄ is 173.999 g/mol.
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