The molecular mass of H2O, commonly known as water, is approximately 18.015 g/mol.
This value is derived from the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent elements: hydrogen and oxygen. Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The atomic mass of hydrogen is about 1.008 g/mol, and since there are two hydrogen atoms, we multiply this by 2, giving us approximately 2.016 g/mol from hydrogen. The atomic mass of oxygen is about 16.00 g/mol. Adding these together:
Hydrogen: 2 x 1.008 g/mol = 2.016 g/mol
The Oxygen: 1 x 16.00 g/mol = 16.00 g/mol
Now, adding these two results together:
2.016 g/mol + 16.00 g/mol = 18.015 g/mol
This calculation not only helps us understand the molecular mass of water but also highlights the significance of molecular structure in chemistry.