Chapter 4 Chemical Calculations Flashcards
What is the relative atomic mass of an atom a comparison to?
The relative atomic mass of an atom is the mass relative to 1/12 of a carbon atom.
How do you calculate the relative atomic mass (Ar) of an element?
The relative atomic mass (Ar) of an element is calculated by taking into account the percentage of all the isotopes of that element.
What is an isotope?
An isotope is an atom of the same element but with a different number of neutrons.
What is the relative formula mass of a compound (Mr) and how is it calculated?
The relative formula mass of a compound (Mr) is calculated by adding up all the relative atomic masses of all the atoms in the formula.
What is the percentage by mass?
The percentage of a compound that is a single element can be calculated. This is called the percentage by mass.
Describe how to calculate the % by mass of an element in a compound.
To calculate the % by mass of an element in a compound you must:
Step 1: Calculate the relative formula mass (Mr)
Step 2: Divide the mass of the element by the mass of the compound.
EXAMPLE
Give the formula to calculate the number of moles in a given mass of a compound. (HIGHER ONLY)
The number of moles in a given mass of a compound can be calculated using the formula:
List the steps for calculating the number of moles in a given mass of a compound. (HIGHER ONLY)
The steps for calculating the number of moles in a given mass of a compound are:
Step 1: Calculate Mr
Step 2: Convert the mass of the compound into grams
Step 3: Substitute into the equation
What is the formula for calculating the mass of a compound from the number of moles and the relative formula mass. (HIGHER ONLY)
If you know the number of moles (n) required then the mass of the compound can be calculated using the formula:
Give the steps for calculating the mass needed to get a given number of moles. (HIGHER ONLY)
The steps for calculating the mass needed to get a given number of moles is:
Step 1: Calculate Mr
Step 2: Substitute into the equation
Why must equations always be balanced? (HIGHER ONLY)
Atoms cannot be created or destroyed so the number of atoms in the reactants must always be the same as the number of atoms of each atom in the products. Equations must be balanced.
What are coefficients? (HIGHER ONLY)
We use coefficients to balance chemical equations. These are numbers in front of compounds. The chemical formula of a compound can never be changed when balancing.
Example: H2O2 → H2O + O2
2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2
Detail the steps in balancing chemical equations.
(HIGHER ONLY)
To balance chemical equations:
Start with the largest element first and use coefficients to balance.
Balance the next largest element next.
Leave any elements on their own to the end (example: O2 or H2)
You may need to change coefficients along the way.
Always double check all elements balance before leaving the question.
How should you lay out your answers to questions involving reacting masses and moles?
(HIGHER ONLY)
To calculate reacting masses, always layout your answers using the table format below.
Remember that you always need the formula mass (Mr) to convert between moles and mass and back again.
Take your time and complete each question step by step.
Detail the steps to calculate reacting masses.
(HIGHER ONLY)
The steps to calculate reacting masses are:
Step 1: Write and balance the equation.
Step 2: Add the information you have.
Step 3: Find out the moles of the chemical with the given mass.
Step 4: Use the moles to work out the moles of the chemical you are looking for.
Step 5: Use the moles to work out the mass.