The Molecular Mass of Ethane

Ethane is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H6. It is a hydrocarbon and belongs to the alkane family. The molecular mass of a compound is the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms present in one molecule of the compound. In order to calculate the molecular mass of ethane, we need to determine the atomic masses of carbon and hydrogen.

Atomic Mass

Atomic mass is the mass of an individual atom, which is expressed in atomic mass units (amu). The atomic mass of an element is usually found on the periodic table. The atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12.01 amu, while the atomic mass of hydrogen is approximately 1.01 amu.

Molecular Mass Calculation

To calculate the molecular mass of ethane, we need to multiply the number of atoms of each element by their respective atomic masses, and then sum up these values.

In the case of ethane (C2H6), we have:
- 2 carbon atoms
- 6 hydrogen atoms

Calculating the molecular mass:
- Carbon: 2 atoms x 12.01 amu = 24.02 amu
- Hydrogen: 6 atoms x 1.01 amu = 6.06 amu

Adding these values together, we get:
24.02 amu + 6.06 amu = 30.08 amu

Hence, the molecular mass of ethane is 30.08 amu.

Conclusion

The molecular mass of ethane is calculated by adding the atomic masses of each element present in one molecule of the compound. In the case of ethane (C2H6), the molecular mass is found to be 30.08 amu.

Ethane → C2H6 →mol. mass = 30