Textbook Problem

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Calculating Formula Mass

Calculate the formula mass of dinitrogen monoxide $\left({\text{N}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\right)$, an anaesthetic gas also called laughing gas.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The formula mass of dinitrogen monoxide is to be calculated.

Concept Introduction:

The formula mass of a compound is the sum of the relative atomic masses of all the atoms present in its formula.

For polyatomic ions, the number of atoms inside the parentheses is multiplied by the subscript behind the parentheses.

Explanation of Solution

To find the formula mass, atomic masses of each atom in the molecule are added, as follows:

Formula mass of ${\text{N}}_2\text{O}$ is equal to the sum of atomic mass of nitrogen and atomic mass of oxygen.

$\begin{array}{c}{\text{Formula massx}}_{}\end{array}$