MOLECULAR MASS Meaning and
Definition
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Molecular mass refers to the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in a molecule. It is also commonly known as the molecular weight. This physical property is essential in various scientific fields, such as chemistry and biochemistry, as it allows scientists to calculate and compare the masses of different molecules.
The atomic mass of an atom is determined by the total number of protons, neutrons, and electrons it contains. Since molecules are composed of multiple atoms, the molecular mass is obtained by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms present in a particular molecule.
The unit of measurement for molecular mass is the atomic mass unit (amu). One atomic mass unit is equivalent to 1/12th the mass of a carbon-12 atom. The molecular mass of a compound or molecule can be calculated by summing the atomic masses of its constituent atoms based on their respective abundances.
Molecular mass plays a crucial role in various scientific applications. For example, it is used to determine stoichiometry in chemical reactions, which helps in calculating the amounts of reactants and products. Additionally, molecular mass is utilized to determine concentrations in solutions and to determine the composition and structure of molecules.
Overall, molecular mass is a fundamental property used to analyze, compare, and understand the properties and behavior of molecules in various scientific disciplines.
Etymology of MOLECULAR MASS
The word "molecular" is derived from the Latin word "molecula", meaning a small mass or particle. It is a diminutive form of "moles", which means mass. "Mass" itself originated from the Latin word "massa", which refers to a lump or a solid bulk. Therefore, "molecular mass" indicates the mass of a small particle or a unit of a substance composed of molecules.
