Mole Conversions



Mole Conversions
Given Moles, Convert to Grams
In chemistry, the mole is the standard measurement of amount. When substances react, they do so in simple ratios of moles. However, balances give readings in grams. Balances DO NOT give readings in moles.
So the problem is that, when we compare amounts of one substance to another using moles, we must convert from grams, since this is the information we get from balances.
There are three steps to converting moles of a substance to grams:
1.     Determine how many moles are given in the problem.
2.     Calculate the molar mass of the substance.
3.     Multiply step one by step two.
Make sure you have a periodic table and a calculator handy.
The three steps above can be expressed in the following proportion:

In this particular lesson, the grams of the substance (upper left) will be the unknown (signified by the letter x). The exact same proportion is used in the grams-to-moles conversion lesson. Then the "x" will reside in the lower left.
This proportion is a symbolic equation. When you solve a particular problem, you insert the proper numbers & units into the proper places of the symbolic equation and then you solve using cross-multiplication and division. Also, do not attach units to the unknown. Let it be simply the letter "x." The proper unit should evolve naturally from solving the proportion and cancellation of units.
Make sure you have a periodic table and a calculator handy. 

Video Tutorial:

 




Problem #1 - calculate how many grams are in 0.700 moles of H2O2
Step One: The problem will tell you how many moles are present. Look for the word "mole" or the unit "mol." The number immediately preceeding it will be how many moles.
I suppose that a problem can be worded in such a way that the number of moles comes after the unit, but that type of trickery isn't very common in high school.
0.700 moles are given in the problem.
Step Two: You need to know the molar mass of the substance. Please refer to the lessons about calculating the molecular weight and molar mass of a substance if you are not sure how to calculate a molar mass.
The molar mass of H2O2 is 34.0146 grams/mole. You may wish to pause and calculate this value, if you desire the practice.
Step Three: You multiply the moles given by the substance's molar mass:
0.700 mole x 34.0146 grams/mole = 23.8 grams
The answer of 23.8 g has been rounded to three significant figures because the 0.700 value had the least number of significant figures in the problem.
If this problem were set up like the proportion above, you would have this:
Then, cross-multiply and divide to solve for the unknown.
Problem #2 - convert 2.50 moles of KClO3 to grams.
2.50 moles is given in the problem.
The molar mass for KClO3 is 122.550 grams/mole. Please note the unit of 'grams/mole.' It is important for proper cancelling of units that you remember to write this unit down when using a molar mass.
Following step three, we obtain:
2.50 moles x 122.550 grams/mole = 306.375 grams
The answer should be rounded off to three significant figures, resulting in 306 g. as the correct answer. Note how the mole in the numerator and the mole in the denominator cancel.
If this problem were set up like the proportion above, you would have this:

Practice Problems
Calculate the grams present in:
1) 0.200 moles of H2S
2) 0.100 moles of KI
3) 1.500 moles of KClO
4) 0.750 moles of NaOH
5) 3.40 x 10¯5 moles of Na2CO3