The formula mass of a molecule of C6H12O6 (glucose) can be calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecule.
First, let’s break down the molecular formula:
- C (Carbon) = 6 atoms
- H (Hydrogen) = 12 atoms
- O (Oxygen) = 6 atoms
Now, we can use the atomic masses of each element:
- Carbon (C) has an atomic mass of about 12.01 u
- Hydrogen (H) has an atomic mass of about 1.008 u
- Oxygen (O) has an atomic mass of about 16.00 u
Now we can calculate the total mass:
- Mass from Carbon: 6 x 12.01 = 72.06 u
- Mass from Hydrogen: 12 x 1.008 = 12.096 u
- Mass from Oxygen: 6 x 16.00 = 96.00 u
Now, we add these masses together:
72.06 + 12.096 + 96.00 = 180.156 u
Therefore, the formula mass of a molecule of C6H12O6 is approximately 180.16 u.