IB Chemistry 1.4 1.4.2
1.4.2

Relative Masses

Relative Atomic Mass (\(A_r\))

The weighted mean mass of an atom of an element, relative to one-twelfth of a Carbon-12 atom.

Symbol: \(A_r\). Dimensionless.

Relative Formula Mass (\(M_r\))

The sum of all the relative atomic masses of the atoms in a formula.

e.g., \(M_r\) of NaCl = 23 + 35.5 = 58.5

Molar Mass (\(M\))

The mass of one mole of a substance. Its value is numerically equal to \(A_r\) or \(M_r\), but has units of g mol⁻¹.

\( n = \frac{m}{M} \)

Calculate Moles from Mass

Problem: How many moles are in 10.0 g of Calcium Carbonate (\(CaCO_3\))?


1. Calculate M: \(40 + 12 + (3 \times 16) = 100 \text{ g mol}^{-1}\)

2. Apply Formula: \( n = \frac{m}{M} = \frac{10.0}{100} \)

\( n = 0.100 \text{ mol} \)

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