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Because chlorine (like almost every other element) exists as several isotopes. The molar mass reflects the combined weight and proportion of each of those isotopes.

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12y ago
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4mo ago

Molar masses are not whole numbers because they are calculated based on the average mass of isotopes present in a sample, taking into account the abundance of each isotope. Isotopes are elements with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, leading to fractional atomic masses and consequently non-whole molar masses.

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Because atoms (of almost every other element) exists as several isotopes. The molar mass reflects the combined weight and proportion of each of those isotopes.

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Q: Why are molar masses not a whole number?
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If you know the molar masses of the reactants in a chemical reaction can you determine the molar masses of the products?

Yes, using the balanced chemical equation for the reaction, you can determine the molar masses of the products by calculating the sum of the molar masses of the atoms present in the products. The stoichiometry of the reaction will determine the ratios in which the reactants react to form products.


How do you find the Molar Proportions of each oxide?

To find the molar proportions of each oxide in a chemical compound, you first determine the molar masses of each element present in the compound. Then, calculate the molar ratio of each element by dividing their molar masses by the smallest molar mass. Finally, simplify the ratios to whole numbers if necessary to obtain the molar proportions.


A sample of a compound contain 1.52 g of Nitrogen and 3.47 g of Oxygen. The molar mass of this compound is between 90 grams and 95 grams. Determine molecular formula and the accurate molar mass.?

To find the molecular formula, first calculate the moles of nitrogen and oxygen present in the sample using their individual molar masses. Then determine the simplest whole-number ratio of nitrogen to oxygen atoms. From the given molar mass range, you can determine which whole-number ratio fits a compound with a molar mass between 90 and 95 grams/mol. This will give you the molecular formula and accurate molar mass of the compound.


What two pieces of information are needed to determine the ratio of elements in a compound?

The chemical formula of the compound (e.g., H2O for water) and the molar masses of the elements present in the compound are needed to determine the ratio of elements. The molar masses are required to calculate the molar ratios of the elements in the compound.


What is the empirical formula of a compound that breaks down into 4.12g of N and 0.88g of H?

The molar mass of N is 14 g/mol and H is 1 g/mol. Calculate the number of moles of each element present in the given masses. Then, find the simplest whole number ratio between the moles of N and H to determine the empirical formula, which in this case is NH₄.

Related questions

What is molar mass a whole number multiple of?

Molar mass is a whole number multiple of the Empirical formula mass


If you know the molar masses of the reactants in a chemical reaction can you determine the molar masses of the products?

Yes, using the balanced chemical equation for the reaction, you can determine the molar masses of the products by calculating the sum of the molar masses of the atoms present in the products. The stoichiometry of the reaction will determine the ratios in which the reactants react to form products.


What do the molar masses of any two elements contain the same number of what?

The molar masses of any two elements contain the same number of moles.


How do you find the Molar Proportions of each oxide?

To find the molar proportions of each oxide in a chemical compound, you first determine the molar masses of each element present in the compound. Then, calculate the molar ratio of each element by dividing their molar masses by the smallest molar mass. Finally, simplify the ratios to whole numbers if necessary to obtain the molar proportions.


What is the molar mass of H2O to the nearest whole number?

18g/mol


How many Buckyballs are in a kilogram?

Buckyballs can be in a range of molar/molecular masses, so the number of them in one kilogram can be very different.


Is it okay to round atomic masses to the nearest whole number?

No, it is not okay to round atomic masses to the nearest whole number because atomic masses are typically reported to several decimal places to account for the average mass of isotopes present in nature. Rounding to the nearest whole number would lead to inaccurate calculations and results.


What are the molar masses of pbBr2?

The molar mass of PbBr2 is approximately 367.01 g/mol. This is calculated by adding the atomic masses of lead (Pb) and two bromine (Br) atoms.


Is defined as the sum of the atomic masses in the molecule?

This is the molar mass.


A sample of a compound contain 1.52 g of Nitrogen and 3.47 g of Oxygen. The molar mass of this compound is between 90 grams and 95 grams. Determine molecular formula and the accurate molar mass.?

To find the molecular formula, first calculate the moles of nitrogen and oxygen present in the sample using their individual molar masses. Then determine the simplest whole-number ratio of nitrogen to oxygen atoms. From the given molar mass range, you can determine which whole-number ratio fits a compound with a molar mass between 90 and 95 grams/mol. This will give you the molecular formula and accurate molar mass of the compound.


Why does 10 g nitrogen gas contain the same number of molecules as 10 g of carbon monoxide?

These compounds have equal molar masses.


How can you compare the rates of effusion of two gases in a mixture?

The rate of effusion of gases is inversely proportional to the square root of their molar masses. By comparing the molar masses of the two gases, you can determine which gas effuses faster. The gas with the lower molar mass will effuse more quickly.