Calculating Moles of NaCN from Gram Formula Weight

In summary, to calculate the moles of NaCN, you need to divide the given mass of NaCN by its gram formula weight. The gram formula weight of NaCN is 49.01 g/mol, which can be calculated by adding the atomic weights of sodium, carbon, and nitrogen. To determine the mass of NaCN from a given number of moles, you need to multiply the number of moles by the gram formula weight of NaCN. You cannot calculate the moles of NaCN without knowing the gram formula weight, which is specific to a particular compound and cannot be used to calculate the moles of other compounds.
  • #1
erisedk
374
7

Homework Statement


How many moles is 0.01 gram formula weight of NaCN?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought it meant 0.01/49 moles of NaCN.
The solution simply says 0.01 moles. Why?
 
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  • #2
erisedk said:

Homework Statement


How many moles is 0.01 gram formula weight of NaCN?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought it meant 0.01/49 moles of NaCN.
The solution simply says 0.01 moles. Why?
What's the definition of 1 mole of a particular substance? How is it calculated?
 
  • #3
erisedk said:
gram formula weight

An obscure and rarely used term in my experience, but definitely not equivalent to just gram.
 

1. How do you calculate the moles of NaCN from its gram formula weight?

To calculate the moles of NaCN, you need to divide the given mass of NaCN by its gram formula weight (molar mass). The gram formula weight of NaCN can be found by adding the atomic weights of the individual elements in the compound (Na = 22.99 g/mol, C = 12.01 g/mol, N = 14.01 g/mol). So, the formula would be: moles of NaCN = mass of NaCN (g) / gram formula weight of NaCN (g/mol).

2. What is the gram formula weight of NaCN?

The gram formula weight of NaCN is 49.01 g/mol. This can be calculated by adding the atomic weights of sodium (22.99 g/mol), carbon (12.01 g/mol), and nitrogen (14.01 g/mol).

3. How do you determine the mass of NaCN from a given number of moles?

To determine the mass of NaCN from a given number of moles, you need to multiply the number of moles by the gram formula weight of NaCN. So, the formula would be: mass of NaCN (g) = moles of NaCN × gram formula weight of NaCN (g/mol).

4. Can you calculate the moles of NaCN without knowing the gram formula weight?

No, you cannot calculate the moles of NaCN without knowing the gram formula weight. The gram formula weight is a crucial factor in determining the number of moles in a given mass of a compound.

5. Can you use the gram formula weight of NaCN to calculate the moles of other compounds?

No, the gram formula weight is specific to a particular compound and cannot be used to calculate the moles of other compounds. Each compound has its own unique gram formula weight, which is determined by the individual atomic weights of the elements present in the compound.

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