Calculate the average mass (in amu) of 1 methane molecule (to .01 amu)
To calculate the average mass of a methane molecule, we need to know the atomic masses of the atoms present in methane and their respective numbers.
The molecular formula of methane is CH4. Let's find the atomic masses of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) from the periodic table:
- The atomic mass of carbon (C) is approximately 12.01 amu.
- The atomic mass of hydrogen (H) is approximately 1.01 amu.
Now, we'll calculate the average mass of a methane molecule:
Average Mass = (Number of carbon atoms * Mass of carbon) + (Number of hydrogen atoms * Mass of hydrogen)
In this case, there is 1 carbon atom and 4 hydrogen atoms:
Average Mass = (1 * 12.01 amu) + (4 * 1.01 amu)
Average Mass = 12.01 amu + 4.04 amu
Average Mass = 16.05 amu
Therefore, the average mass of 1 methane molecule is approximately 16.05 amu.