Final answer:
The molar mass of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is calculated by summing the atomic masses of the elements in the compound. Considering the constituent atoms and their respective quantities, the molar mass is found to be 84.01 g/mol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molar mass of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements which are sodium (Na), hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and oxygen (O). Each of these elements has a specific atomic mass, and you multiply each by the number of atoms of that element in the compound. The atomic masses used should have two decimal places for accuracy according to significant figures.
Using the atomic masses:
- Na = 22.99 g/mol
- H = 1.01 g/mol
- C = 12.01 g/mol
- O = 16.00 g/mol (and there are three oxygen atoms)
You sum up the masses:
NaHCO₃ = (1 × 22.99) + (1 × 1.01) + (1 × 12.01) + (3 × 16.00)
= 22.99 + 1.01 + 12.01 + 48.00
= 84.01 g/mol
Thus, the molar mass of sodium bicarbonate is 84.01 g/mol, which includes the appropriate number of significant figures.