How do you convert between grams and moles of a specific molecule? Give a specific example to illustrate.
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To convert between grams and moles of a specific molecule, you need to use the concept of molar mass. Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance and is expressed in grams per mole (g/mol).
The general formula to convert grams to moles (and vice versa) is:
moles = grams / molar mass
To illustrate this, let's use the example of converting grams to moles for water (H2O).
Step 1: Find the molar mass of water. This can be calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms in one molecule of water. The atomic mass of hydrogen (H) is approximately 1.01 g/mol, and the atomic mass of oxygen (O) is approximately 16.00 g/mol.
Molar mass of water (H2O) = (2 * 1.01 g/mol) + (1 * 16.00 g/mol) = 18.02 g/mol
Step 2: Suppose we have 36.04 grams of water and want to convert it into moles.
moles = grams / molar mass
moles = 36.04 g / 18.02 g/mol
moles ≈ 2 mol
Therefore, there are approximately 2 moles of water in 36.04 grams.