Question

Suppose a different fatty acid molecule were used, with a molecular volume of 4.48 x 10-22 mL/molecule, and a molar mass of 235 g/mol. Use these data and the expected value for Avogadro's number to calculate its density (g/mL) by dimensional analysis. Hint: try starting with 235 g over 1 mole.

Answer 1

Density (g/mL) can be calculated as mass per volume.

Mass = molar mass (g/mol) * number of moles
Volume = molecular volume (mL/molecule) * Avogadro's number

Mass = 235 g/mol * 1 mole
Volume = 4.48 x 10^-22 mL/molecule * 6.022 x 10^23 molecules/mol

Density (g/mL) = Mass / Volume
Density (g/mL) = 235 g/mol / (4.48 x 10^-22 mL/molecule * 6.022 x 10^23 molecules/mol)

This calculation yields a density of approximately 0.77 g/mL