The molar mass of magnesium (Mg) is 24.31 g/mol. How many moles of magnesium were used in the experiment? (5 points) Show work.

Answer 1

Hi Ansleigh!

To find the moles of magnesium, we would use the molar mass as a conversion factor from grams (g) to moles (mol). For example, if we have 50 g magnesium:

50 g magnesium * 1 mol magnesium/ 24.31 g magnesium = 2.1 mol magnesium

Using your experimental data, you can use the amount of grams you found experimentally and use the molar mass as a conversion factor to find the moles of magnesium used in the experiment. If you used just magnesium, this method will work perfectly. If you used a compound, you will need to find the molar ratio (between magnesium and the compound) first in order to successfully convert moles of compound to moles of magnesium. You would multiply the molar ratio by everything else listed above to find your final grams magnesium.

Hope this helps!

~ Cassie