Gram Formula Mass Calculation:
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Gram Formula Mass (also known as molar mass) is the mass of one mole of a chemical compound. It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all atoms in the formula, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol).
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The calculator parses the chemical formula and sums the atomic masses of all constituent atoms to determine the total molar mass.
Details: Gram formula mass is essential for stoichiometric calculations, determining reaction yields, preparing solutions with specific concentrations, and converting between mass and moles in chemical reactions.
Tips: Enter the chemical formula using standard notation (e.g., H2O for water, C6H12O6 for glucose). Use proper capitalization (e.g., Co for cobalt vs CO for carbon monoxide).
Q1: What's the difference between gram formula mass and molecular weight?
A: Gram formula mass refers to the mass of one mole of a compound, while molecular weight typically refers to the mass of one molecule. However, the terms are often used interchangeably when expressed in g/mol.
Q2: How do I calculate gram formula mass for ionic compounds?
A: The calculation is the same - sum the atomic masses of all atoms in the formula unit. For example, NaCl: Na (22.99) + Cl (35.45) = 58.44 g/mol.
Q3: Why are atomic masses not whole numbers?
A: Atomic masses are weighted averages of naturally occurring isotopes, which is why they often include decimal values.
Q4: Can this calculator handle hydrates and complex formulas?
A: Yes, enter the full formula including water of hydration (e.g., CuSO4·5H2O) and the calculator will include all atoms in the calculation.
Q5: How accurate are the results?
A: Results are based on standard atomic weights. For precise scientific work, always use the most current IUPAC recommended values.