Final answer:
The formula weight of NH₄Cl (ammonium chloride) is calculated using the atomic masses of nitrogen, hydrogen, and chlorine, which sums up to 53.50 g/mol. This weight is essential for understanding the composition and for performing further chemical calculations involving NH₄Cl.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asked to determine the formula weight of NH₄Cl. To calculate this, we will use the atomic masses of nitrogen (N), hydrogen (H), and chlorine (Cl) and sum them up according to their stoichiometric coefficients in NH₄Cl. Using the periodic table, the atomic masses are N (14.01 g/mol), H (1.01 g/mol), and Cl (35.45 g/mol). Since there are four hydrogen atoms in NH₄Cl, we will multiply the atomic mass of hydrogen by four.
The formula weight of NH₄Cl is calculated as follows:
- Mass of nitrogen (N) = 14.01 g/mol
- Mass of hydrogen (H) in NH₄ = 4 × 1.01 g/mol = 4.04 g/mol
- Mass of chlorine (Cl) = 35.45 g/mol
Adding these together:
14.01 g/mol + 4.04 g/mol + 35.45 g/mol = 53.50 g/mol
The formula weight of NH₄Cl is thus 53.50 g/mol. This calculation provides the student with the precise figure needed to understand the composition of NH₄Cl and potentially use this information for further chemical calculations.