The molecular mass of glucose can be calculated by summing the atomic masses of its constituent atoms: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).
Understanding Molecular Mass
Molecular mass, also known as molecular weight, is the mass of a molecule. It is calculated as the sum of the atomic masses of each atom in the molecule. The unit for molecular mass is typically grams per mole (g/mol).
Steps to Calculate the Molecular Mass of Glucose
Glucose has the molecular formula C6H12O6, meaning it contains:
- 6 carbon atoms
- 12 hydrogen atoms
- 6 oxygen atoms
Step 1: Determine the Atomic Masses
First, you need the atomic masses of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). These are typically found on the periodic table:
- Carbon (C): 12 g/mol
- Hydrogen (H): 1 g/mol
- Oxygen (O): 16 g/mol
Step 2: Multiply by the Number of Atoms
Multiply the atomic mass of each element by the number of atoms present in one molecule of glucose:
- Carbon: 6 atoms * 12 g/mol = 72 g/mol
- Hydrogen: 12 atoms * 1 g/mol = 12 g/mol
- Oxygen: 6 atoms * 16 g/mol = 96 g/mol
Step 3: Sum the Masses
Add the total masses of each element to find the molecular mass of glucose:
- Total Molecular Mass: 72 g/mol + 12 g/mol + 96 g/mol = 180 g/mol
Summary Table
| Element | Number of Atoms | Atomic Mass (g/mol) | Total Mass (g/mol) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 6 | 12 | 72 |
| Hydrogen (H) | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Oxygen (O) | 6 | 16 | 96 |
| Total | 180 |
Conclusion
The molecular mass of a glucose molecule is 180 g/mol. This calculation is derived from the atomic masses of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, multiplied by their respective quantities in the glucose molecule, and then summed together, as given in the provided reference: Molecular mass of glucose molecule = 72 + 12 + 96 = 180 g/mol.
