Boron trifluoride (BF₃) is a chemical compound that plays a significant role in many industrial and chemical processes. Understanding its molar mass is crucial for accurate calculations in chemistry. But, the question often arises: Which is the molar mass of BF₃? Could it be one of these options: 10.81 g/mol, 29.81 g/mol, 48.81 g/mol, or 67.81 g/mol? Knowing the molar mass of a compound is fundamental for stoichiometric calculations, chemical reactions, and other analytical tasks. In this article, we will explore how to determine the molar mass of BF₃ and guide you through the correct answer step by step. We’ll break down the calculation process, provide detailed explanations, and ensure you understand the significance of this value in practical applications.
The Molar Mass of BF₃
The molar mass of a compound is the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent elements. In the case of BF₃ (boron trifluoride), we have one boron atom and three fluorine atoms. Determining the molar mass requires a clear understanding of the atomic masses of these elements. The atomic mass of boron is 10.81 g/mol, while fluorine has an atomic mass of 18.998 g/mol. By multiplying the mass of fluorine by three and adding it to the mass of boron, we get the total molar mass of BF₃. This calculation results in a molar mass of 67.81 g/mol, making it the correct answer among the given options.
To summarize:
- Atomic mass of boron (B): 10.81 g/mol
- Atomic mass of fluorine (F): 18.998 g/mol
- Total molar mass of BF₃ = 10.81 g/mol + (18.998 g/mol × 3)
- Molar mass of BF₃ = 67.81 g/mol
This value is crucial for any chemical reaction involving BF₃, as it helps in determining the amounts needed for proper stoichiometric balance.
Calculation of BF₃ Molar Mass
Identify the Elements in BF₃
BF₃ consists of one boron (B) atom and three fluorine (F) atoms. Understanding this composition is essential before starting any calculation.
Determine the Atomic Mass of Each Element
- Boron: Atomic mass = 10.81 g/mol
- Fluorine: Atomic mass = 18.998 g/mol
Calculate the Total Mass of Fluorine
Since there are three fluorine atoms, the total mass contribution from fluorine is: 18.998 g/mol×3=56.994 g/mol18.998 \, \text{g/mol} \times 3 = 56.994 \, \text{g/mol}18.998g/mol×3=56.994g/mol
Add the Mass of Boron
The molar mass of BF₃ is the sum of the mass of boron and the total mass of fluorine: 10.81 g/mol+56.994 g/mol=67.81 g/mol10.81 \, \text{g/mol} + 56.994 \, \text{g/mol} = 67.81 \, \text{g/mol}10.81g/mol+56.994g/mol=67.81g/mol
Confirm the Result
The final molar mass of BF₃ is 67.81 g/mol, which matches the correct option from the given list.
What is the Molar Mass of BF₃ and Why Does It Matter?
The molar mass of a compound like boron trifluoride (BF₃) is the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent elements. To understand why this is important, let’s start with what molar mass means. Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a given substance, typically expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is crucial in chemistry as it helps convert between the mass of a substance and the amount in moles, making it an essential tool in stoichiometry.
In the case of BF₃, the molar mass is calculated based on its components: one atom of boron (B) and three atoms of fluorine (F). The atomic mass of boron is 10.81 g/mol, while the atomic mass of fluorine is 18.998 g/mol. The molar mass calculation involves adding these values together after accounting for the three fluorine atoms:
- Boron (B): 10.81 g/mol
- Fluorine (F): 18.998 g/mol × 3 = 56.994 g/mol
Adding these together gives us the molar mass of BF₃: 10.81 g/mol+56.994 g/mol=67.81 g/mol10.81 \, \text{g/mol} + 56.994 \, \text{g/mol} = 67.81 \, \text{g/mol}10.81g/mol+56.994g/mol=67.81g/mol
How to Calculate the Molar Mass of BF₃ Step-by-Step?
Calculating the molar mass of boron trifluoride (BF₃) is a fundamental task in chemistry that involves understanding its atomic structure. BF₃ is composed of one boron (B) atom and three fluorine (F) atoms. Here’s how to determine the correct molar mass step by step.
List the Elements in BF₃ The chemical formula BF₃ indicates that it contains:
- 1 Boron (B) atom
- 3 Fluorine (F) atoms
Determine the Atomic Mass of Each Element
- The atomic mass of boron (B) is 10.81 g/mol.
- The atomic mass of fluorine (F) is 18.998 g/mol.
Calculate the Total Mass of Fluorine Atoms Since there are three fluorine atoms in the compound, multiply the atomic mass of fluorine by 3: 18.998 g/mol×3=56.994 g/mol18.998 \, \text{g/mol} \times 3 = 56.994 \, \text{g/mol}18.998g/mol×3=56.994g/mol
Sum the Atomic Masses Add the mass of boron and the total mass of fluorine: 10.81 g/mol+56.994 g/mol=67.81 g/mol10.81 \, \text{g/mol} + 56.994 \, \text{g/mol} = 67.81 \, \text{g/mol}10.81g/mol+56.994g/mol=67.81g/mol
Why is Determining Molar Mass Important?
- Chemical Reactions: Accurate molar masses are necessary for predicting the products of chemical reactions.
- Stoichiometry: Helps in calculating the exact amounts of reactants and products.
- Concentration Calculations: Essential for determining solution concentrations in mol/L.
- Laboratory Preparations: Ensures precise measurements and avoids errors in experiments.
- Industrial Applications: Used in processes involving catalysts and intermediates like BF₃.
Applications of BF₃ in Chemistry
Boron trifluoride (BF₃) is widely used in both laboratory and industrial settings. Its accurate molar mass is essential for various applications, including:
- Catalyst in Organic Reactions: BF₃ acts as a strong Lewis acid, making it an effective catalyst for polymerization and alkylation reactions.
- Synthesis of Boron Compounds: Used in the preparation of boron esters and other derivatives.
- Analytical Chemistry: Employed in the quantitative analysis of certain compounds due to their reactivity.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Utilized in drug synthesis and formulation processes.
- Gas-Phase Reactions: BF₃ is often used as a reactant in gas-phase chemistry for its unique properties.
Comparing Atomic Mass and Molar Mass of BF₃
What is Atomic Mass?
Atomic mass refers to the mass of a single atom of an element, usually expressed in atomic mass units (AMU).
What is Molar Mass?
Molar mass, on the other hand, is the mass of one mole of a substance, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol).
Why is the Molar Mass of BF₃ Important?
- For Chemical Calculations: Molar mass bridges the gap between the microscopic scale (atomic mass) and the macroscopic scale (grams).
- Accuracy in Formulas: Ensures precise chemical formulations in industrial and research settings.
Conclusion
Determining the correct molar mass of boron trifluoride (BF₃) is essential for accurate chemical calculations. The answer to the question, “Which is the molar mass of BF₃? 10.81 g/mol, 29.81 g/mol, 48.81 g/mol, or 67.81 g/mol”, is 67.81 g/mol. This value is derived from the atomic masses of boron and fluorine. Understanding this calculation helps in various applications, from laboratory experiments to industrial processes.
FAQ’s
Q. What is the molar mass of BF₃?
A. The molar mass of BF₃ is 67.81 g/mol, calculated based on the atomic masses of boron and fluorine.
Q. Why is the molar mass of BF₃ important?
A. The molar mass is crucial for stoichiometric calculations, determining reactant and product quantities in chemical reactions.
Q. How do you calculate the molar mass of BF₃?
A. Add the atomic mass of boron (10.81 g/mol) and the total mass of three fluorine atoms (3 × 18.998 g/mol), resulting in 67.81 g/mol.
Q. Is BF₃ used as a catalyst?
A. Yes, BF₃ is a strong Lewis acid and is widely used as a catalyst in organic reactions like polymerization.
Q. What is the atomic mass of boron and fluorine in BF₃?
A. The atomic mass of boron is 10.81 g/mol, and the atomic mass of fluorine is 18.998 g/mol.
