1. What Is Molecular Weight?

Molecular weight (MW) is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. It's expressed in atomic mass units (amu) or grams per mole (g/mol) and is crucial for various chemical calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( MW \) — Molecular weight in g/mol
• \( \sum \) — Summation of all atomic masses
• Atomic Masses — Standard atomic weights of elements

Explanation: The calculator parses the chemical formula, identifies each element and its quantity, then sums the atomic masses multiplied by their respective counts.

3. Importance of Molecular Weight Calculation

Details: Molecular weight is essential for stoichiometric calculations, preparing solutions with specific concentrations, determining reaction yields, and in various analytical techniques.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the chemical formula using standard notation (e.g., H2O for water, C6H12O6 for glucose). Use proper capitalization (Na for sodium, not na).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between molecular weight and molar mass?
A: While often used interchangeably, molecular weight specifically refers to the mass of molecules, while molar mass is more general and can apply to compounds, elements, or ions.

Q2: How accurate is this calculator?
A: The calculator uses standard atomic weights. For precise scientific work, always use the most current IUPAC atomic weights.

Q3: Can this calculator handle complex formulas?
A: Yes, it can handle most standard chemical formulas including those with parentheses and multiple elements.

Q4: Does it work for ionic compounds?
A: Yes, the calculator works for both molecular and ionic compounds as it calculates formula mass based on the elements present.

Q5: Why are atomic weights not whole numbers?
A: Atomic weights account for the natural abundance of isotopes of each element, resulting in weighted averages that are typically not whole numbers.