What is Ammonium Phosphate’s Molar Mass?

Ammonium phosphate, with the chemical formula (NH₄)₃PO₄, is a compound that consists of ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and phosphate ions (PO₄^3-). To calculate its molar mass, we need to consider the atomic masses of all the atoms in the formula.

The molar mass of ammonium phosphate can be calculated as follows:

• Nitrogen (N) has an atomic mass of approximately 14.01 g/mol.
• Hydrogen (H) has an atomic mass of approximately 1.01 g/mol.
• Phosphorus (P) has an atomic mass of approximately 30.97 g/mol.
• Oxygen (O) has an atomic mass of approximately 16.00 g/mol.

Now, let’s break down the formula (NH₄)₃PO₄:

• There are 3 ammonium ions (NH₄⁺), each containing 1 nitrogen atom and 4 hydrogen atoms.
• There is 1 phosphate ion (PO₄^3-), containing 1 phosphorus atom and 4 oxygen atoms.

Calculating the molar mass:

• For nitrogen: 3 atoms × 14.01 g/mol = 42.03 g/mol
• For hydrogen: 12 atoms × 1.01 g/mol = 12.12 g/mol
• For phosphorus: 1 atom × 30.97 g/mol = 30.97 g/mol
• For oxygen: 4 atoms × 16.00 g/mol = 64.00 g/mol

Adding these together: 42.03 g/mol + 12.12 g/mol + 30.97 g/mol + 64.00 g/mol = 149.12 g/mol.

Therefore, the molar mass of ammonium phosphate is 149.12 g/mol.