Molecular weight
Molecular weight is the mass of a molecule. It is calculated as the sum of the atomic weights of each constituent atom multiplied by the number of times the atom appears in the molecule. The molecular weight of a substance is the weight in atomic mass units of all the atoms in a given formula.
Molecular weight is used in chemistry to determine stoichiometry in chemical reactions and equations. The molecular weight of a substance directly influences the properties of a substance such as its density, melting point, boiling point, and viscosity.
Calculation[edit | edit source]
The molecular weight of a substance is calculated by summing the atomic weights of the atoms that make up the substance. The atomic weight of an atom is determined by the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of the atom. The atomic weight is usually listed on the periodic table next to the chemical symbol of the element.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Molecular weight is used in many areas of chemistry and biochemistry. It is used to determine the amount of a substance that is needed to carry out a specific reaction. It is also used to calculate the concentration of a solution, and to calculate the yield of a reaction.
In biochemistry, the molecular weight of a protein or a nucleic acid can be used to determine the size and charge of the molecule, which can be important in understanding its function and behavior in the body.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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