Calculating the Mass of Sulfur Dioxide

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 49 views

Introduction

In chemistry, calculating the mass of a substance is a crucial aspect of understanding chemical reactions and stoichiometry. In this article, we will explore how to calculate the mass of sulfur dioxide (SO2) present in a given number of moles. We will use the relative formula mass (M_r) of SO2, which is 64, to determine the mass of SO2 in 0.45 moles.

Understanding the Relative Formula Mass (M_r)

The relative formula mass (M_r) of a compound is the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent atoms. In the case of SO2, the atomic masses of sulfur (S) and oxygen (O) are 32 and 16, respectively. Therefore, the relative formula mass of SO2 is:

M_r (SO2) = 32 (S) + 2(16) (O) = 32 + 32 = 64

Calculating the Mass of Sulfur Dioxide

To calculate the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles, we can use the following formula:

Mass (g) = Number of moles (mol) x Relative formula mass (M_r)

In this case, the number of moles of SO2 is 0.45 mol, and the relative formula mass of SO2 is 64 g/mol. Therefore, the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles is:

Mass (g) = 0.45 mol x 64 g/mol = 28.8 g

Rounding the Answer to 1 Decimal Place

The problem requires us to round the answer to 1 decimal place. Therefore, the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles is:

Mass (g) = 28.8 g

Conclusion

In this article, we have calculated the mass of sulfur dioxide (SO2) present in 0.45 moles using the relative formula mass (M_r) of SO2. We have used the formula Mass (g) = Number of moles (mol) x Relative formula mass (M_r) to determine the mass of SO2. The answer is 28.8 g, which is correct to 1 decimal place.

Step 1: Understand the Relative Formula Mass (M_r) of SO2

The relative formula mass (M_r) of SO2 is 64, which is the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent atoms.

Step 2: Calculate the Mass of SO2 Present in 0.45 Moles

To calculate the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles, we can use the following formula:

Mass (g) = Number of moles (mol) x Relative formula mass (M_r)

In this case, the number of moles of SO2 is 0.45 mol, and the relative formula mass of SO2 is 64 g/mol. Therefore, the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles is:

Mass (g) = 0.45 mol x 64 g/mol = 28.8 g

Step 3: Round the Answer to 1 Decimal Place

The problem requires us to round the answer to 1 decimal place. Therefore, the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles is:

Mass (g) = 28.8 g

Step 4: Verify the Answer

To verify the answer, we can check if the calculation is correct. We can use a calculator to calculate the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles:

Mass (g) = 0.45 mol x 64 g/mol = 28.8 g

The answer is correct, and the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles is 28.8 g.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When calculating the mass of a substance, it is essential to avoid common mistakes. Some common mistakes to avoid include:

Incorrect calculation: Make sure to use the correct formula and calculation to determine the mass of the substance.
Incorrect units: Ensure that the units are correct, and the calculation is performed in the correct units.
Rounding errors: Be careful when rounding the answer to the correct decimal place.

Conclusion

Q&A: Calculating the Mass of Sulfur Dioxide

Q: What is the relative formula mass (M_r) of SO2?

A: The relative formula mass (M_r) of SO2 is 64, which is the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent atoms.

Q: How do I calculate the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles?

A: To calculate the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles, you can use the following formula:

Mass (g) = Number of moles (mol) x Relative formula mass (M_r)

In this case, the number of moles of SO2 is 0.45 mol, and the relative formula mass of SO2 is 64 g/mol. Therefore, the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles is:

Mass (g) = 0.45 mol x 64 g/mol = 28.8 g

Q: What is the correct answer to 1 decimal place?

A: The correct answer to 1 decimal place is 28.8 g.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when calculating the mass of a substance?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when calculating the mass of a substance include:

Incorrect calculation: Make sure to use the correct formula and calculation to determine the mass of the substance.
Incorrect units: Ensure that the units are correct, and the calculation is performed in the correct units.
Rounding errors: Be careful when rounding the answer to the correct decimal place.

Q: How can I verify the answer to ensure it is correct?

A: To verify the answer, you can check if the calculation is correct. You can use a calculator to calculate the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles:

Mass (g) = 0.45 mol x 64 g/mol = 28.8 g

The answer is correct, and the mass of SO2 present in 0.45 moles is 28.8 g.

Q: What is the importance of understanding the relative formula mass (M_r) of a substance?

A: Understanding the relative formula mass (M_r) of a substance is crucial in calculating the mass of the substance. It allows you to determine the mass of the substance using the correct formula and calculation.

Q: Can I use the relative formula mass (M_r) of a substance to calculate the mass of a mixture?

A: Yes, you can use the relative formula mass (M_r) of a substance to calculate the mass of a mixture. However, you will need to take into account the proportions of the substances in the mixture.

Q: How can I apply the concept of relative formula mass (M_r) to real-world problems?

A: The concept of relative formula mass (M_r) can be applied to real-world problems in various fields, such as chemistry, physics, and engineering. For example, you can use the relative formula mass (M_r) to calculate the mass of a substance in a chemical reaction or to determine the mass of a material in a construction project.

Conclusion

In this article, we have provided a step-by-step guide to calculating the mass of sulfur dioxide (SO2) present in 0.45 moles using the relative formula mass (M_r) of SO2. We have also answered some common questions related to calculating the mass of a substance and provided tips on how to apply the concept of relative formula mass (M_r) to real-world problems.