Question

12. The actual weight of a molecule of water is -

12. The actual weight of a molecule of water is –

Answer

100% (3 rated)

The correct answer is: $2.99\times10^{-26}\text{ kg}$

Explanation

We find the mass of one water molecule by dividing the molar mass of water by Avogadro’s number.

Steps:

  1. Molar mass of water: $$M_{\mathrm{H_2O}}=18.01528\text{ g/mol}=0.01801528\text{ kg/mol}$$
  2. Avogadro’s number: $$N_A=6.02214076\times10^{23}\text{ mol}^{-1}$$
  3. Mass of one molecule: $$m=\frac{M_{\mathrm{H_2O}}}{N_A}=\frac{0.01801528\text{ kg/mol}}{6.02214076\times10^{23}\text{ mol}^{-1}}=2.99\times10^{-26}\text{ kg}$$

Therefore, a single water molecule has a mass of about $2.99\times10^{-26}\text{ kg}$ (equivalently $2.99\times10^{-23}\text{ g}$).

Note: If by “weight” you meant the force due to gravity on Earth, multiply by $g\approx9.81\text{ m/s}^2$ to get $W\approx2.93\times10^{-25}\text{ N}$.