Final answer:
To convert grams to moles for NaOH, the mass given (60.0 grams) is divided by its molar mass (40.00 g/mol), resulting in 1.5 moles of NaOH, which is not listed in the provided options.
Step-by-step explanation:
Converting Grams to Moles
To convert the mass of NaOH to moles of NaOH, we must use the substance's molar mass. The molar mass of NaOH is 40.00 g/mol. By dividing the given mass by the molar mass, we get the number of moles.
Step 1: Write the given quantity (60.0 g NaOH) and determine the molar mass of NaOH: 22.99 g/mol for Na, 16.00 g/mol for O, and 1.01 g/mol for H, which adds up to 40.00 g/mol.
Step 2: Use the molar mass to set up a conversion factor, where
- 1 mol NaOH = 40.00 g NaOH.
Step 3: Now, divide the given mass (60.0 g NaOH) by the molar mass of NaOH:
60.0 g NaOH ÷ 40.00 g/mol NaOH = 1.5 moles of NaOH.
Therefore, the correct answer is 1.5 moles of NaOH, which is not listed in the options provided. It seems there might be an error in the options given. The correct calculation indicates that 60.0 grams of NaOH corresponds to 1.5 moles, not any of the answer choices a, b, c, or d.