What is the Mass in Grams of One Molecule of NaOH?

The mass of one molecule of NaOH (sodium hydroxide) can be calculated using the concept of molar mass and Avogadro’s number. Here’s how you can determine it:

1. Determine the molar mass of NaOH:
   • Sodium (Na) has an atomic mass of approximately 23 g/mol.
   • Oxygen (O) has an atomic mass of approximately 16 g/mol.
   • Hydrogen (H) has an atomic mass of approximately 1 g/mol.

   Adding these together, the molar mass of NaOH is:

   23 g/mol (Na) + 16 g/mol (O) + 1 g/mol (H) = 40 g/mol.

2. Use Avogadro’s number:

   Avogadro’s number is approximately 6.022 x 10²³ molecules/mol. This number represents the number of molecules in one mole of a substance.

3. Calculate the mass of one molecule:

   To find the mass of one molecule of NaOH, divide the molar mass by Avogadro’s number:

   Mass of one molecule = Molar mass / Avogadro’s number

   Mass of one molecule = 40 g/mol / 6.022 x 10²³ molecules/mol

   Mass of one molecule ≈ 6.64 x 10^-23 grams.

So, the mass of one molecule of NaOH is approximately 6.64 x 10^-23 grams.