Relation between molecular mass and molar mass

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of molecular mass and molar mass, exploring their definitions, relationships, and units. It is framed as a homework-related inquiry seeking clarification on these terms.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that molecular mass is the mass of one molecule, while molar mass is the mass of one mole of a molecule.
  • Another participant questions the relationship between molecular mass and molar mass, suggesting that multiplying molecular mass by the number of moles would yield molar mass, but emphasizes the importance of considering units.
  • There is a reiteration that molar mass is indeed the mass of one mole of the substance, with a focus on the necessity of using correct units.
  • A participant introduces the unit for molar mass as grams per mole (gmol-1), and questions whether relative molecular mass is the same as molecular mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definitions of molecular mass and molar mass, but there is some uncertainty regarding the correct units and the relationship between the two concepts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of unit usage.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted dependence on correct unit usage for both molecular and molar mass, which has not been fully clarified in the discussion. The term "relative molecular mass" is also introduced without a clear consensus on its equivalence to molecular mass.

rubenhero
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Homework Statement



What is the difference between molecular mass and molar mass? Are they related?

Homework Equations



moles = total mass/ mass/mole

The Attempt at a Solution



I can't find any explanation in my lecture notes.
I think that:
molecular mass = mass of one molecule
molar mass = mass of one mole of a molecule

I think they are related by if i took the molecular mass and multiplied it by the number of moles, I would get the molar mass.
Any help explaining these concepts is appreciated!
 
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rubenhero said:
molecular mass = mass of one molecule

Correct, but in what units?

molar mass = mass of one mole of a molecule

Correct, but in what units?

I think they are related by if i took the molecular mass and multiplied it by the number of moles, I would get the molar mass.

I guess you mean "number of molecules in a mole", not "number of moles". You are not wrong, but you are still missing one important factor. Again, think about units used for both molar and molecular mass.
 
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Is molar mass not the same thing as mass of one mole of the substance in question?
 
chikis said:
Is molar mass not the same thing as mass of one mole of the substance in question?

Yes it is.

But without using correct units you will be still off.
 
Borek said:
Yes it is.

But without using correct units you will be still off.
If that is the case the unit will be gram per mole i.e gmol-1. How about that?
Is relative molecular mass the same as molecular mass?
 

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