Final answer:
The molar mass of K₃PO₄ is calculated by summing the molar masses of three potassium atoms, one phosphorus atom, and four oxygen atoms, resulting in a total of 212.27 g/mol.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the molar mass of K₃PO₄, one has to sum the molar masses of all the atoms in a mole of this compound. Based on the molecular formula K₃PO₄, we have three potassium (K) atoms, one phosphorus (P) atom, and four oxygen (O) atoms in each formula unit.
The atomic weights are (rounded to two decimal places): K = 39.10 g/mol, P = 30.97 g/mol, and O = 16.00 g/mol. To compute the molar mass, we multiply each atom's atomic weight by the number of times it appears in the formula and then sum these values:
- For K: 39.10 g/mol × 3 = 117.30 g/mol
- For P: 30.97 g/mol × 1 = 30.97 g/mol
- For O: 16.00 g/mol × 4 = 64.00 g/mol
Adding them together: 117.30 + 30.97 + 64.00 = 212.27 g/mol. Therefore, the molar mass of K3PO4 is 212.27 g/mol.
To determine amounts in moles, divide by molar mass (g/mol). For instance, if you had a certain mass of K₃PO₄and wanted to find out how many moles it represents, you would use the ratio:
moles = mass of K₃PO₄(in grams) ÷ 212.27 g/mol