Understanding the Terms
* Gram Molecular Weight (Molecular Mass): The mass of one mole of a substance, expressed in grams.
* Atomic Mass Unit (a.m.u.): A unit of mass approximately equal to the mass of a proton or neutron.
Calculations
1. Find the atomic masses:
* Sodium (Na): 22.99 a.m.u.
* Oxygen (O): 16.00 a.m.u.
* Hydrogen (H): 1.01 a.m.u.
2. Add the atomic masses together:
22.99 a.m.u. (Na) + 16.00 a.m.u. (O) + 1.01 a.m.u. (H) = 40.00 a.m.u.
3. Convert atomic mass units to grams per mole:
Since 1 a.m.u. is approximately equal to 1 gram per mole, the gram molecular weight of NaOH is 40.00 g/mol.
Therefore, the gram molecular weight of sodium hydroxide is 40.00 g/mol.
