Question

What is the molar mass of calcium carbonate?

Answer 1

The molar mass of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements:

- Calcium (Ca): approximately 40.08 g/mol
- Carbon (C): approximately 12.01 g/mol
- Oxygen (O): approximately 16.00 g/mol (and there are three oxygen atoms in calcium carbonate)

The calculation is as follows:

\[
\text{Molar Mass of CaCO}_3 = (\text{Ca}) + (\text{C}) + 3 \times (\text{O})
\]
\[
= 40.08 \, \text{g/mol} + 12.01 \, \text{g/mol} + 3 \times 16.00 \, \text{g/mol}
\]
\[
= 40.08 \, \text{g/mol} + 12.01 \, \text{g/mol} + 48.00 \, \text{g/mol}
\]
\[
= 100.09 \, \text{g/mol}
\]

Therefore, the molar mass of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is approximately **100.09 g/mol**.