What is the mass of 438 molecules of CO₂?

How can we calculate the mass of 438 molecules of CO₂?

Can you explain the steps to determine the mass of 438 molecules of CO₂?

Calculation for the mass of 438 molecules of CO₂

To determine the mass of 438 molecules of CO₂ (carbon dioxide), you need to use the molar mass of CO₂ and Avogadro's number.

In order to calculate the mass of 438 molecules of CO₂, we first need to understand the concept of molar mass and Avogadro's number.

The molar mass of CO₂ is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements, which are carbon (C) and oxygen (O). The atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12.01 g/mol, and the atomic mass of oxygen is approximately 16.00 g/mol.

Therefore, the molar mass of CO₂ can be calculated as follows:

Molar mass of CO₂ = 12.01 (atomic mass of carbon) + 2(16.00) (atomic mass of oxygen) = 12.01 + 32.00 = 44.01 g/mol

Avogadro's number is a constant that represents the number of particles (atoms, molecules, etc.) in one mole of a substance. It is equal to 6.022 x 10^23 particles/mol. This number allows us to relate the number of molecules to the mass of a substance.

Now, let's calculate the mass of 438 molecules of CO₂ using the given data:

1. Convert the number of molecules to moles:

Number of moles = 438 molecules / 6.022 x 10^23 molecules/mol

Number of moles = 7.277 x 10^-22 mol

2. Calculate the mass using the molar mass:

Mass = moles x molar mass

Mass = 7.277 x 10^-22 mol x 44.01 g/mol

Mass = 3.205 x 10^-20 g

Therefore, the mass of 438 molecules of CO₂ is approximately 3.205 x 10^-20 grams.