A certain elementary gas is triatomic and has vapour density 48 . The atomic mass of the gas is (a) 48 (b) 96 (c) 32 (d) 16 ..
To determine the atomic mass of the gas, we need to determine the molecular formula of the gas based on its given vapor density. Here's how to do it:
1. Determine the Definition of Vapor Density: Vapor density is defined as the ratio of the molecular mass of a gas to the mass of an equal volume of hydrogen gas under the same conditions of temperature and pressure. It is commonly denoted by the symbol "D."
2. Understand the Ratios: Since vapor density is a ratio, we can say that the molecular mass of the gas is equal to the vapor density multiplied by the molecular mass of hydrogen gas.
3. Determine the Molecular Mass of Hydrogen: The molecular mass of hydrogen gas is 2 atomic mass units (amu) since it consists of two atoms of hydrogen, each with an atomic mass of 1 amu.
4. Apply the Formula: Using the above information, we can write the equation:
Molecular Mass of Gas = Vapor Density x Molecular Mass of Hydrogen
5. Substitute the Values: Substitute the given value of vapor density (48) and the molecular mass of hydrogen (2) into the equation:
Molecular Mass of Gas = 48 x 2
6. Calculate the Answer: Evaluate the expression to find the molecular mass of the gas:
Molecular Mass of Gas = 96 amu
Therefore, the correct option is (b) 96 amu, as the atomic mass of the gas is 96.