College

What is the molar mass of [tex]$H_2SO_4$[/tex]?

A. 137.8 grams
B. 68.9 grams
C. 36.9 grams
D. 98.1 grams

Answer :

To find the molar mass of sulfuric acid, $\mathrm{H_2SO_4}$, we must add the masses of all the atoms in one mole of the compound. The molecule consists of:

- 2 hydrogen atoms,
- 1 sulfur atom, and
- 4 oxygen atoms.

The atomic masses are given as:

- Hydrogen: $1.01\ \mathrm{g/mol}$
- Sulfur: $32.07\ \mathrm{g/mol}$
- Oxygen: $16.00\ \mathrm{g/mol}$

First, calculate the mass contributed by each element:

1. For hydrogen:
$$\text{Mass of H} = 2 \times 1.01\ \mathrm{g/mol} = 2.02\ \mathrm{g/mol}$$

2. For sulfur:
$$\text{Mass of S} = 1 \times 32.07\ \mathrm{g/mol} = 32.07\ \mathrm{g/mol}$$

3. For oxygen:
$$\text{Mass of O} = 4 \times 16.00\ \mathrm{g/mol} = 64.00\ \mathrm{g/mol}$$

Now, add these contributions to get the total molar mass:

$$
\text{Molar mass of } \mathrm{H_2SO_4} = 2.02 + 32.07 + 64.00 = 98.09\ \mathrm{g/mol}
$$

Thus, the molar mass of $\mathrm{H_2SO_4}$ is approximately $98.1\ \mathrm{grams}$.