If 0.85 mol of a diatomic molecule has a mass of 23.8g, identify the molecule? We tried to multiply .85 mol and 23.8g and then multiply by 2 to get an answer, but I believe I might be heading in the wrong direction.

The mistake you're making is trying to manipulate the numbers to get answer; i.e., guessing. Reason it out. You know mol = grams/molar mass.

mol = grams/molar mass
0.85 mol = 23.8/molar mass
molar mass = ? approx 28
Therefore X2 = 28 and X must be 28/2 = ? You should have no problem

To identify the molecule, we need to use the molar mass of the molecule. The molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance and is usually given in grams per mole (g/mol).

To find the molar mass of the diatomic molecule, we'll need to divide the mass (given in grams) by the number of moles. In this case, we have 0.85 mol and 23.8 g of the substance.

Let's calculate the molar mass:

Molar mass = Mass (g) / Moles

Molar mass = 23.8 g / 0.85 mol

Molar mass = 28 g/mol

Therefore, the molar mass of the diatomic molecule is 28 g/mol.

To identify the molecule, we can compare the molar mass of 28 g/mol to the molar masses of known diatomic molecules. One such molecule with a molar mass close to 28 g/mol is nitrogen gas (N2), which has a molar mass of approximately 28.014 g/mol.

So, based on the given information, it is highly likely that the diatomic molecule is nitrogen gas (N2).