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Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions
Chapter 3, Problem 104

The molecular weight of an organic compound was found by mass spectrometry to be 70.042 11. Is the sample C5H10, C4H6O, or C3H6N2? Exact masses of elements are: 1.007 825 (1H); 12.000 00 (12C); 14.003 074 (14N); 15.994 915 (16O).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Molecular Weight Calculation

Molecular weight, or molar mass, is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. To determine the molecular weight of a compound, you multiply the number of each type of atom by its atomic weight and then sum these values. This calculation is essential for identifying compounds based on their mass spectrometry data.
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Molecular Formula Calculation Example

Empirical Formula vs. Molecular Formula

The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound, while the molecular formula indicates the actual number of each type of atom in a molecule. Understanding the difference is crucial when analyzing compounds, as the molecular weight can help determine which molecular formula corresponds to the measured mass.
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Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. It provides precise molecular weight data, allowing chemists to identify compounds based on their mass. In this context, the molecular weight obtained from mass spectrometry is compared against the calculated weights of potential molecular formulas to determine the correct compound.
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