Calculate molecular mass of glucose molecule.
Solution
The molecular mass of glucose (C6H12O6) molecule is approximately 180.15 atomic mass units (u).
Here’s how to calculate it:
- Find the atomic masses of each element:
- Multiply the atomic mass of each element by the number of atoms in the molecule:
- Carbon: 12.01 u/atom * 6 atoms = 72.06 u
- Hydrogen: 1.008 u/atom * 12 atoms = 12.096 u
- Oxygen: 15.999 u/atom * 6 atoms = 95.994 u
- Add the masses of all the elements to find the total molecular mass: Total molecular mass = 72.06 u + 12.096 u + 95.994 u = 180.15 u
Therefore, the molecular mass of a glucose molecule is approximately 180.15 atomic mass units.

