Calculate the molar mass of Na3PO4
The correct answer and explanation is:
✅ Correct Answer:
Molar mass of Na₃PO₄ (Sodium Phosphate) = 163.94 g/mol
🧪 Step-by-Step Calculation:
To calculate the molar mass of Na₃PO₄, you add the molar masses of all atoms in the compound:
- Na (Sodium):
Atomic mass = 22.99 g/mol
3 atoms × 22.99 = 68.97 g/mol - P (Phosphorus):
Atomic mass = 30.97 g/mol
1 atom × 30.97 = 30.97 g/mol - O (Oxygen):
Atomic mass = 16.00 g/mol
4 atoms × 16.00 = 64.00 g/mol
🔢 Total Molar Mass:
Molar Mass of Na₃PO₄=68.97+30.97+64.00=163.94 g/mol\text{Molar Mass of Na₃PO₄} = 68.97 + 30.97 + 64.00 = \boxed{163.94\ \text{g/mol}}
🧠 Explanation (300 words):
The molar mass of a compound refers to the mass of one mole (6.022 × 10²³ particles) of that compound, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of each element in the molecular formula, multiplied by the number of times each atom appears.
In the compound Na₃PO₄ (Sodium Phosphate):
- There are three sodium (Na) atoms, each with an atomic mass of 22.99 g/mol. When multiplied by 3, the sodium portion contributes 68.97 g/mol.
- There is one phosphorus (P) atom, which contributes 30.97 g/mol.
- There are four oxygen (O) atoms, each contributing 16.00 g/mol, for a total of 64.00 g/mol.
Adding these values gives a total molar mass of 163.94 g/mol. This means that one mole of sodium phosphate weighs 163.94 grams.
Knowing the molar mass is essential in chemistry for converting between grams and moles during stoichiometric calculations in reactions. For example, if you had 327.88 grams of Na₃PO₄, you could calculate that you have 2 moles of the substance (327.88 ÷ 163.94 = 2.00 moles).
Understanding molar mass also helps in determining concentrations in solutions and is foundational in both academic and laboratory chemistry practices.