Final answer:
The molar mass of butane, C4H10, is calculated by adding the atomic masses of four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms, resulting in 58.14 g/mol.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the molar mass of butane, C4H10, you need to sum the masses of all the carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms in a mole of butane. There are four carbons, each with an atomic mass of approximately 12.01 g/mol, and ten hydrogens, each with an atomic mass of approximately 1.01 g/mol.
Thus, the molar mass of butane is calculated as:
(4 × 12.01 g/mol) + (10 × 1.01 g/mol) = 48.04 g/mol + 10.10 g/mol = 58.14 g/mol.
The molar mass is therefore expressed as 58.14 g/mol to four significant figures. This value is necessary for stoichiometric calculations and can be used to find the density of butane using the ideal gas law where the molar mass acts as a conversion factor between grams and moles.