To calculate the molar mass of magnesium oxide (MgO), we need to sum the molar masses of the individual elements present in the compound.
1. **Identify the elements**: Magnesium (Mg) and Oxygen (O).
2. **Find their molar masses**:
- Magnesium (Mg) has an atomic mass of approximately 24.31 g/mol.
- Oxygen (O) has an atomic mass of approximately 16.00 g/mol.
3. **Calculate the molar mass of MgO**:
The formula for magnesium oxide indicates that there is one magnesium atom and one oxygen atom in each formula unit. Therefore, the molar mass of magnesium oxide can be calculated as follows:
MgO Molar Mass = Molar Mass of Mg + Molar Mass of O
MgO Molar Mass = 24.31 g/mol + 16.00 g/mol = 40.31 g/mol
Thus, the molar mass of magnesium oxide is approximately 40.31 g/mol.