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  • Calculating the Molecular Weight of Water (H2O): A Step-by-Step Guide
    To determine the molecular weight of a molecule of water (H2O), you need to add the atomic weights of the hydrogen and oxygen atoms that make up the molecule. Here's how you would calculate it:

    1. Look up the atomic weights of hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) from the periodic table:

    - Hydrogen (H): 1.008 atomic mass units (amu)

    - Oxygen (O): 15.999 amu

    2. Multiply the atomic weight of each element by the number of atoms in the molecule:

    - Hydrogen: 2 atoms of H × 1.008 amu/atom = 2.016 amu

    - Oxygen: 1 atom of O × 15.999 amu/atom = 15.999 amu

    3. Add up the atomic weights of all the atoms in the molecule:

    - 2.016 amu (H) + 15.999 amu (O) = 18.015 amu

    Therefore, the molecular weight of a water molecule (H2O) is approximately 18.015 atomic mass units.

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