Final answer:
The formula mass of FeCl3 is calculated by adding the molar masses of iron and chlorine atoms, giving a total of 162.20 g/mol.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the formula mass of FeCl3, we need to add together the atomic masses of one Fe atom and three Cl atoms. The molar mass of iron (Fe) is 55.85 g/mol, and the molar mass of chlorine (Cl) is 35.45 g/mol. Hence, the calculation for FeCl3 is as follows:
Fe: 1 × 55.85 g/mol = 55.85 g/mol
Cl: 3 × 35.45 g/mol = 106.35 g/mol
Add these together to find the formula mass of FeCl3:
55.85 g/mol (Fe) + 106.35 g/mol (Cl) = 162.20 g/mol
This matches option b, indicating that the correct formula mass of FeCl3 is 162.20 g/mol.