What is the molar mass of sulfur (S)?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The molar mass of sulfur (S) is 32.07 grams per mole (g/mol).
Molar mass refers to the mass of one mole of a substance, and it is measured in grams per mole (g/mol). The molar mass of sulfur is based on its atomic mass, which is found on the periodic table. The atomic mass of sulfur is approximately 32.07 u (atomic mass units), which directly translates to 32.07 g/mol when considering the molar mass.
Sulfur is a nonmetal element in Group 16 of the periodic table, also known as the chalcogen group. It is commonly found in nature as part of various compounds, including sulfides and sulfates. In its pure elemental form, sulfur is typically found as S8, a molecule made up of eight sulfur atoms. However, regardless of whether sulfur is in its molecular form or as an individual atom, the molar mass of a single sulfur atom is consistently around 32.07 g/mol.
The concept of molar mass is essential in chemistry because it helps in converting between the mass of a substance and the number of moles of that substance. For example, if you were to weigh out 32.07 grams of sulfur, you would have one mole of sulfur atoms. This relationship is crucial for stoichiometric calculations, which involve determining the proportions of reactants and products in chemical reactions.
In summary, the molar mass of sulfur is 32.07 g/mol, which corresponds to its atomic mass. This value is used in various calculations involving sulfur, whether in its pure elemental form or in compounds.