Final answer:
An aspirin molecule with the formula C9H8O4 has a molecular mass of 180.15 amu. The number of moles in 2.50 g of aspirin is calculated using the mass and molar mass, which aids in understanding dosage and percent composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecular mass of an aspirin molecule, which has the molecular formula C9H8O4, is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent atoms. As specified, this value amounts to 180.15 amu. To calculate the number of moles present in a given mass of aspirin, such as 2.50 g, we use the formula:
number of moles = mass (g) / molar mass (g/mol)
Therefore, for aspirin:
number of moles = 2.50 g / 180.15 g/mol
After calculating, we find that the number of moles of aspirin in 2.50 g is approximately 0.01387 moles. Knowing the molecular mass and using the concept of moles allows us to understand the percent composition, determine the number of molecules in a given mass, and relate these ideas to real-world applications such as the dosage of medicines like aspirin and acetaminophen.