Calculate the molar mass of nitric acid (HNO3).

To find the molar mass of nitric acid (HNO3), we need to add up the atomic masses of each element in the compound based on its chemical formula. Nitric acid consists of hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O). Let’s break it down step by step.

Identifying the Elements

The chemical formula for nitric acid is HNO3, which indicates that it contains:

• 1 atom of hydrogen (H)
• 1 atom of nitrogen (N)
• 3 atoms of oxygen (O)

Atomic Masses

Next, we need to look up the atomic masses of these elements. The approximate atomic masses are:

• Hydrogen (H): 1.01 g/mol
• Nitrogen (N): 14.01 g/mol
• Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol

Calculating the Molar Mass

Now, we can calculate the total molar mass by multiplying the atomic mass of each element by the number of atoms present in the molecule and then summing them up:

• For hydrogen: 1 atom × 1.01 g/mol = 1.01 g/mol
• For nitrogen: 1 atom × 14.01 g/mol = 14.01 g/mol
• For oxygen: 3 atoms × 16.00 g/mol = 48.00 g/mol

Adding It All Together

Now, let’s add these values together:

• 1.01 g/mol (H) + 14.01 g/mol (N) + 48.00 g/mol (O) = 63.02 g/mol

Final Result

Therefore, the molar mass of nitric acid (HNO3) is approximately 63.02 g/mol. This value is essential in stoichiometric calculations, allowing chemists to convert between moles and grams when working with this compound in various chemical reactions.