What are the molecular (formula) weights of the following...

What are the molecular (formula) weights of the following substances? (a) $\mathrm{Hg}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}$ (calomel, used at one time as a bowel purgative) (b) $\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{8} \mathrm{O}_{2}$ (butyric acid, responsible for the odor of rancid butter) (c) $\mathrm{CF}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}$ (a chlorofluorocarbon that destroys the stratospheric ozone layer)

What are the molecular (formula) weights of the following substances?
(a) $\mathrm{Hg}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}$ (calomel, used at one time as a bowel purgative)
(b) $\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{8} \mathrm{O}_{2}$ (butyric acid, responsible for the odor of rancid butter)
(c) $\mathrm{CF}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}$ (a chlorofluorocarbon that destroys the stratospheric ozone layer)

Key Concepts

Molecular Weight Determination

Molecular weight determination involves calculating the total weight of a molecule by summing the atomic masses of all the atoms present in its chemical formula. This process uses the atomic weights of the individual elements, which are typically obtained from the periodic table, and multiplies each by the number of times the element appears in the molecule. The result, usually expressed in atomic mass units (amu) or grams per mole (g/mol), is crucial for quantitative chemical analysis and stoichiometry.

Atomic Weights

Atomic weights represent the average mass of an element’s atoms, taking into account the relative abundance of its isotopes. These weights are key numbers used in chemical calculations, as they provide the bridge between the number of atoms and the measurable mass of a substance. Reliable atomic weights are generally obtained from standardized periodic tables or databases.

Stoichiometry in Chemical Formulas

Stoichiometry refers to the quantitative relationship between reactants and products in a chemical reaction, which is based on the molecular formula. In the context of calculating molecular weights, stoichiometry involves using the subscripts in a chemical formula to determine the number of each type of atom present in the molecule, ensuring that each atom's contribution to the overall weight is accurately accounted for.

Periodic Table and Units

The periodic table is a fundamental resource in chemistry that provides essential information about the elements, including their atomic weights. The units commonly used in molecular weight calculations are atomic mass units (amu) for individual atoms and grams per mole (g/mol) for practical mass measurements in laboratory settings. This connection between the periodic table and mass units is essential for converting microscopic atomic calculations to macroscopic measurements.

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