Define the following terms: (3)(a) Molecular mass (b) Atomic mass unit (c) Polyatomic ions
Question
Define the following terms: (3)(a) Molecular mass (b) Atomic mass unit (c) Polyatomic ions
Solution
(a) Molecular Mass: This is the sum of the masses of all the atoms in a molecule. It is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of each atom in the molecule. For example, the molecular mass of water (H2O) is calculated by adding the atomic masses of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
(b) Atomic Mass Unit (amu): This is a unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular weights. It is defined as one-twelfth (1/12th) of the mass of an unbound neutral atom of carbon-12 in its nuclear and electronic ground state, and has a value of approximately 1.66 x 10^-27 kilograms.
(c) Polyatomic Ions: These are ions that are composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded or of a metal complex that acts as a single unit in the context of acid/base chemistry or in the formation of salts. A polyatomic ion can often be considered as the conjugate acid/base of a neutral molecule. For example, the nitrate ion (NO3-) is the conjugate base of nitric acid (HNO3).
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