* Identify the elements: H₂CO₃ contains hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and oxygen (O).
* Find the atomic masses: Look these up on the periodic table:
* Hydrogen (H): 1.008 amu
* Carbon (C): 12.011 amu
* Oxygen (O): 15.999 amu
* Multiply by the subscripts:
* Hydrogen: 2 atoms * 1.008 amu/atom = 2.016 amu
* Carbon: 1 atom * 12.011 amu/atom = 12.011 amu
* Oxygen: 3 atoms * 15.999 amu/atom = 47.997 amu
* Add the individual masses: 2.016 amu + 12.011 amu + 47.997 amu = 62.024 amu
Therefore, the molecular mass of H₂CO₃ is 62.024 amu.
