Xylose is a compound that has five carbon atoms in each molecule and contains 40% carbon by mass - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2008 - Paper 1
Question 3
Xylose is a compound that has five carbon atoms in each molecule and contains 40% carbon by mass.
What is the molar mass of xylose?
A. 30
B. 67
C. 150
D. It cannot ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Xylose is a compound that has five carbon atoms in each molecule and contains 40% carbon by mass - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2008 - Paper 1
Step 1
Calculate the total mass of xylose
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Answer
Given that xylose contains 40% carbon by mass, we can express the carbon content in a formula. Let the molar mass of xylose be ( M_{xylose} ). Then, the mass of carbon in one mole of xylose is ( 0.40 \times M_{xylose} ).
Step 2
Determine the mass of carbon from carbon atoms
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Answer
Since xylose has 5 carbon atoms, each with a molar mass of approximately 12 g/mol, the total mass of carbon can also be calculated as ( 5 \times 12 = 60 ) g.
Step 3
Set up the equation
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Answer
By equating the two expressions for the mass of carbon, we have: ( 0.40 \times M_{xylose} = 60 ).
Step 4
Solve for molar mass of xylose
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Answer
To find the molar mass, we rearrange the equation: ( M_{xylose} = \frac{60}{0.40} = 150 ) g/mol.
Step 5
Select the correct answer based on calculations
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Answer
Therefore, the molar mass of xylose is 150 g/mol, corresponding to option C.
