Jonathan Khan November 21, 2010

Ms. Crowley Determining the Molecular Mass of a Gas Lab

1. Using the molecular formula supplied by your teacher, calculate the actual molecular mass of the
unidentified substance (ethanol).
a. CH3CH2OH
i. C:12.01 x 2 = 24.020
ii. H:1.008 x 6 = 6.048
iii. O:16.00 x 1 = +16.000
iv. 46.068 g/mol
v. 46.068 g/mol
vi.
2. Compare the true molecular mass of the substance to the experimentally determined value. Find your
percent error.
a. Actual Value: 4.61x101 g/mol
b. Measured Value: 4.95x101 g/mol
c. Percent Error:
i. (Measured Value – Actual Value) 100%
ii. Actual Value
iii.
iv. (4.95x101 – 4.61x101) 100% = 7.38x100%
v. 4.61x101
vi.
vii. 7.38%

3. What are some likely sources of error in this experiment?

a. Some likely sources of error in this experiment are the incorrect conversion of barometric
pressure from inches of Hg into mmHg. Not completely vaporizing the unidentified substance in
the flask. The cap of foil was not properly secured before the apparatus was lowered into the
water, thus allowing some water vapor to enter into the flask.
i.
4. A gas has a density of 1.25 g/L at STP. What is its molecular mass?
a. PM=DRT
i. (1atm)(X) = (1.25g/L)(0.0821(L ● atm/mol ● K))(273K)
ii. X = 2.80x101
iii.
iv. 2.80 x 101g/mol
v.
5. At STP, 10 liters of a gas has a mass of 1.34 grams. What is the mass of one mole of this gas?
a. PM = DRT
i. (1 atm)(X) = (1.34g / 10L)(0.0821(L ● atm/mol ● K))(273K)
ii. X = 3.00x100
iii.
iv. 3.00 g/mol
v.