how mnay molecules are in 150 grams of sugar

2 min read 24-01-2025

how mnay molecules are in 150 grams of sugar

Meta Description: Discover how to calculate the number of sugar molecules in 150 grams. We break down the process step-by-step, covering molar mass, Avogadro's number, and more. Learn the chemistry behind everyday substances! (155 characters)

Sugar, or sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁), is a common household item. But have you ever wondered just how many individual molecules make up a seemingly small amount, like 150 grams? This article will guide you through the calculation, exploring the fundamental concepts of chemistry involved.

Understanding the Calculation

To determine the number of molecules in 150 grams of sugar, we need to employ a few key concepts:

Molar Mass: The molar mass of a substance is the mass of one mole of that substance. One mole contains Avogadro's number of particles (6.022 x 10²³).
Avogadro's Number: This fundamental constant in chemistry represents the number of constituent particles (atoms, molecules, ions, etc.) in one mole of a substance.
Conversion Factors: We'll use conversion factors to move between grams, moles, and molecules.

Calculating the Molar Mass of Sucrose

First, we must determine the molar mass of sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁). This involves summing the atomic masses of each element in its chemical formula:

Carbon (C): 12.01 g/mol x 12 atoms = 144.12 g/mol
Hydrogen (H): 1.01 g/mol x 22 atoms = 22.22 g/mol
Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol x 11 atoms = 176.00 g/mol

Total Molar Mass of Sucrose: 144.12 g/mol + 22.22 g/mol + 176.00 g/mol = 342.34 g/mol

Calculating the Number of Moles

Now, let's find out how many moles are in 150 grams of sucrose:

Moles = mass (g) / molar mass (g/mol)

Moles = 150 g / 342.34 g/mol ≈ 0.438 moles

Calculating the Number of Molecules

Finally, we can calculate the number of sucrose molecules using Avogadro's number:

Number of Molecules = moles x Avogadro's Number

Number of Molecules ≈ 0.438 moles x 6.022 x 10²³ molecules/mol ≈ 2.64 x 10²³ molecules

Therefore, there are approximately 2.64 x 10²³ molecules in 150 grams of sugar.

Understanding the Scale

It's important to appreciate the sheer magnitude of this number. 2.64 x 10²³ is an incredibly large quantity, highlighting the minuscule size of individual molecules. This calculation demonstrates the power of using molar mass and Avogadro's number to connect the macroscopic world (grams of sugar) to the microscopic world (individual molecules).

Further Exploration: Variations in Sugar

While we've focused on sucrose, other types of sugar exist, each with its own chemical formula and molar mass. Fructose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), for example, are common sugars with different molecular structures and, consequently, different molar masses. The calculation process would remain the same, but the final number of molecules would vary.

This understanding of molecular calculations has implications beyond simple sugars. It's fundamental to various fields like medicine, materials science, and environmental studies where precise measurements at the molecular level are crucial.