Calculating molecular mass of oxalic acid (diprotic acid) using only given #s?

In summary, the molecular mass of oxalic acid can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of all the atoms present in the compound. The atomic mass of oxalic acid is 90.03 g/mol, which is the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent atoms. To account for the two acidic protons in oxalic acid, the number of hydrogen atoms in the molecular formula must be doubled. The molecular mass of oxalic acid is a fixed value and does not vary, but the molecular weight may vary depending on the mass of the sample. To convert the molecular mass to moles, the given mass (in grams) of oxalic acid must be divided by its molecular mass (in grams per mole).
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OK, I won't bother to reply... DOHH!
 
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To calculate the molecular mass of oxalic acid, we need to know the atomic mass of each element present in the compound and the number of atoms of each element. The molecular formula of oxalic acid is H2C2O4, meaning that it contains 2 hydrogen atoms, 2 carbon atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms.

Using the atomic masses of each element from the periodic table, we can calculate the molecular mass of oxalic acid by multiplying the number of atoms of each element by its atomic mass and then adding them together.

For example, the atomic mass of hydrogen is 1.008 g/mol, so 2 hydrogen atoms would have a mass of 2.016 g/mol. The atomic mass of carbon is 12.011 g/mol, so 2 carbon atoms would have a mass of 24.022 g/mol. The atomic mass of oxygen is 15.999 g/mol, so 4 oxygen atoms would have a mass of 63.996 g/mol.

Adding these masses together, we get a molecular mass of oxalic acid of 90.034 g/mol. This calculation is based on the given numbers of atoms in the molecular formula and does not require any additional information.
 

1. How do I calculate the molecular mass of oxalic acid?

The molecular mass of a compound is calculated by adding the atomic masses of all the atoms present in the compound. In the case of oxalic acid, the molecular formula is C2H2O4, so you would add the atomic masses of 2 carbon atoms, 2 hydrogen atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms to get the molecular mass.

2. What is the atomic mass of oxalic acid?

The atomic mass of oxalic acid is the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent atoms, which can be found on the periodic table. The atomic mass of carbon is 12.01 g/mol, hydrogen is 1.01 g/mol, and oxygen is 16.00 g/mol. Therefore, the atomic mass of oxalic acid is 2(12.01) + 2(1.01) + 4(16.00) = 90.03 g/mol.

3. How do I account for the two acidic protons in oxalic acid?

Oxalic acid is a diprotic acid, meaning it can donate two protons (H+) in solution. To account for this, you must double the number of hydrogen atoms in the molecular formula when calculating the molecular mass. In this case, you would add the atomic mass of 2 carbon atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms to get the molecular mass.

4. Can the molecular mass of oxalic acid vary?

No, the molecular mass of a compound is a fixed value and does not vary. However, the molecular weight (measured in grams) may vary depending on the mass of the sample being measured.

5. How do I convert the molecular mass to moles?

To convert the molecular mass to moles, divide the given mass (in grams) of oxalic acid by its molecular mass (in grams per mole). This will give you the number of moles of oxalic acid in the sample.

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