Converting Ethane Mass to Moles: A Detailed Guide

Understanding the conversion of mass to moles for a specific chemical compound is a fundamental concept in chemistry. This article will guide you through the process with ethane (C2H6) as an example. Whether you are a student or a professional in chemistry, this guide will help you grasp the essential technique of converting grams of ethane to moles.

Understanding Molar Mass and the Mole Concept

The first step in converting ethane from grams to moles is to understand two key concepts: molar mass and the mole.

Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance and is expressed in grams per mole (g/mol or gmol-1). For ethane (C2H6), the molar mass is 30.07 g/mol.

Converting 10 g of Ethane to Moles Step-by-Step

To convert 10 grams of ethane (C2H6) to moles, use the following formula:

Moles Mass / Molar Mass

Substitute the values:

Moles 10 g / 30.07 g/mol

This calculation gives us:

Moles 0.3326 mol

Therefore, 10 grams of ethane is equivalent to 0.3326 moles.

Alternative Methods to Calculate Moles

Let's explore a few more ways to calculate the moles of ethane from its mass.

Direct Division

Using the formula Moles Mass / Molar Mass: 10 g / 30.07 g/mol 0.33 moles (rounded to two decimal places).

Calculating Using Atomic Masses

Refer to the Periodic Table to find the atomic masses of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H). Carbon has an atomic mass of approximately 12 g/mol, and hydrogen has an atomic mass of approximately 1 g/mol.

The molecular formula of ethane is C2H6. The molar mass is calculated as:

Molar mass of C2H6 (2 x 12 g/mol) (6 x 1 g/mol) 30 g/mol

Now, use this to find the moles:

Moles 10 g / 30 g/mol 0.333 moles

Applications of Ethane Moles Calculation

The ability to convert grams to moles is crucial in various chemical calculations, such as stoichiometry, chemical reactions, and gas laws. Understanding the mole concept allows chemists to quantify chemical substances accurately and design experiments with precision.

Conclusion

Converting 10 grams of ethane (C2H6) to moles is a straightforward process using the formula Moles Mass / Molar Mass. By applying the molar mass of ethane (30.07 g/mol), we can determine that 10 grams of ethane is equivalent to 0.3326 moles. Other methods, such as direct division or using the atomic masses, also lead to the same result, reinforcing the accuracy of the calculation.

Mastering this concept will help you tackle more complex problems in chemistry and enhance your overall understanding of chemical substances.