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. Based on the equation PM = DRT, where P is pressure

in atmospheres, M is the molecular mass of a gas, D is the density of the gas, R is the gas

constant of .0821 L ● atm/mol ● K,, and T is the temperature in Kelvin, there exists an indirect

relationship between pressure, and molecular mass. If the pressure is too high, the molecular

mass will be calculated to a lower number than what it actually is. If the pressure was calculated

to a lower number than what is actually is, then the molecular mass will be calculated to a higher

number than what is actually is. Not completely vaporizing the unidentified substance in the

flask will affect the molecular mass in the way that when the condensate is measured, it will be

assumed that all of the liquid has come from the vapor, and thus result in a greater mass per same

unit volume [greater density]. To find the molar mass, based on the equation PM = DRT, you
 would divide both sides by the pressure in atmospheres, with the greater value for the density,

the molar mass will be calculated to a larger number. 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. It will be assumed that all of the liquid has come from the vapor, and thus result in a

greater mass per same unit volume [greater density]. To find the molar mass, based on the

equation PM = DRT, you would divide both sides by the pressure in atmospheres, with the

greater value for the density, the molar mass will be calculated to a larger number.

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.