1. What Is Molecular Mass?

Molecular mass (also called molecular weight) is the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule. It is expressed in atomic mass units (amu) or grams per mole (g/mol) and represents the mass of one mole of a substance.

2. How To Calculate Molecular Mass

The molecular mass is calculated using the formula:

For glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆):

• Carbon (C): 6 atoms × 12.01 g/mol = 72.06 g/mol
• Hydrogen (H): 12 atoms × 1.008 g/mol = 12.096 g/mol
• Oxygen (O): 6 atoms × 16.00 g/mol = 96.00 g/mol
• Total: 180.16 g/mol

Explanation: Each element's contribution is calculated by multiplying the number of atoms by its standard atomic mass, then summing all contributions.

3. Glucose Molecular Structure

Details: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) and an important carbohydrate in biology. It is the main source of energy for living organisms and a fundamental building block for many carbohydrates.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of atoms for each element in your molecule. The calculator uses standard atomic masses: C=12.01, H=1.008, O=16.00 g/mol. You can modify the atom counts to calculate mass for different molecules.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between molecular mass and molar mass?
A: Molecular mass is the mass of one molecule in atomic mass units (amu), while molar mass is the mass of one mole of molecules in grams per mole (g/mol). Numerically they are equal but have different units.

Q2: Why are atomic masses not whole numbers?
A: Atomic masses are weighted averages of all naturally occurring isotopes of an element, accounting for their relative abundances.

Q3: What is the exact molecular mass of glucose?
A: The exact molecular mass of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is 180.156 g/mol when using precise atomic masses.

Q4: Can I calculate molecular mass for any compound?
A: Yes, this calculator can be used for any compound by entering the correct number of atoms for each element present.

Q5: Why is glucose's formula C₆H₁₂O₆?
A: This empirical formula represents the simplest ratio of atoms, while the molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms in one glucose molecule.