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The mole and concentration of solutionsMole calculations

The gram formula mass of a substance is known as the mass of one mole. The mass, number of moles, concentration or volume of a substance can be calculated easily if you learn two formula triangles.

Part of ChemistryChemical changes and structures

Mole calculations

To calculate the mass of a higher number of moles, or even calculate the number of moles in a certain mass, a formula triangle can be used.

An equilateral triangle pointing upwards and divided into three parts. The top part represents mass measured in grams. The bottom left part represents number of moles. The bottom right part represents the gram formula mass i.e. the mass of one mole.

Using the formula triangle is straightforward. Simply cover whatever part of the triangle you are trying to work out.

Example one

How many moles are present in 25 g of calcium carbonate?

The formula we need to use, given by covering up number of moles is:

\(number\,of\,moles = \frac{{mass}}{{formula\,mass}}\)

The formula mass of calcium carbonate can be calculated using the formula and values from the data book and the mass is given in the question.

Formula for calcium carbonate CaCO3. The formula mass of calcium is 40g, of carbon 12g and three oxygens 48g. The formula mass of CaCO3 is therefore 40 plus 12 plus 48 grams, which equals 100 grams.

\(= \frac{{25}}{{100}}\)

\(= 0.25moles\)

Example two

Calculate the mass of 0.25 moles of butane \({C_4}{H_{10}}\).

Butane C4H10. Formula mass 4 C 48g and 10 H 10g. Formula mass of C4H10 is therefore 48g plus 10g, which equals 58g.

\(mass = number\,of\,moles \times formula\,mass\)

\(\begin{array}{l} = 0.25 \times 58\\ = 14.5g \end{array}\)

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