What is the mass of a sulfur hexafluoride molecule
___grams
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The mass of a single sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) molecule is 146.06 atomic mass units (amu). To convert this into grams, we use Avogadro’s number ( (6.022 \times 10^{23}) ), which tells us how many molecules are in one mole:
[
\frac{146.06 \text{ g/mol}}{6.022 \times 10^{23} \text{ molecules/mol}}
]
[
= 2.43 \times 10^{-22} \text{ grams per molecule}
]
Explanation:
- Molecular Weight Calculation
- Sulfur (S) has an atomic mass of 32.06 amu.
- Fluorine (F) has an atomic mass of 18.998 amu.
- Since there are six fluorine atoms, their total mass is:
[
6 \times 18.998 = 113.99 \text{ amu}
] - Adding the mass of sulfur:
[
32.06 + 113.99 = 146.06 \text{ amu}
]
- Conversion to Grams
- The molecular weight of SF₆ is 146.06 g/mol, meaning one mole (i.e., ( 6.022 \times 10^{23} ) molecules) weighs 146.06 grams.
- To find the mass of a single molecule, we divide by Avogadro’s number:
[
\frac{146.06}{6.022 \times 10^{23}} = 2.43 \times 10^{-22} \text{ g}
]
Thus, the mass of one sulfur hexafluoride molecule is (2.43 \times 10^{-22}) grams.
Now, I will generate an image representing the molecular structure of sulfur hexafluoride.

Here is the 3D molecular structure of sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). It shows the sulfur atom at the center with six fluorine atoms symmetrically arranged in an octahedral geometry. Let me know if you need any modifications!