Here’s how to calculate the molecular mass of lactose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁):
Identify the atomic masses: You’ll need the atomic masses of each element in the formula. You can find these on the periodic table. For this calculation, we’ll use approximate values (but for precise work, use more significant figures):
Carbon (C): 12 atomic mass units (amu)
Hydrogen (H): 1 amu
Oxygen (O): 16 amu
Calculate the mass of each element: Multiply the atomic mass of each element by the number of atoms of that element in the formula:
Carbon: 12 atoms * 12 amu/atom = 144 amu
Hydrogen: 22 atoms * 1 amu/atom = 22 amu
Oxygen: 11 atoms * 16 amu/atom = 176 amu
Add the masses together: Sum the masses of each element to get the total molecular mass:
144 amu + 22 amu + 176 amu = 342 amu
Therefore, the approximate molecular mass of lactose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁) What is the Molecular Mass of Lactose C12 H22 O11? is 342 amu.
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