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Gram Formula Mass Calculator

Gram Formula Mass Calculation:

\[ \text{Gram Formula Mass} = \sum (\text{Number of Atoms} \times \text{Atomic Mass}) \]

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1. What is Gram Formula Mass?

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).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \text{Gram Formula Mass} = \sum (\text{Number of Atoms} \times \text{Atomic Mass}) \]

Where:

Explanation: The calculator parses the chemical formula and sums the atomic masses of all constituent atoms to determine the total molar mass.

3. Importance of Gram Formula 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.

4. Using the Calculator

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).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.

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