Identify the Molecular mass for Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) among the following.

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Accepted Answer

180 amu - The molecular mass (molecular weight) of a compound is the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms present in its chemical formula. Glucose, a simple sugar with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆, is an important carbohydrate in biology and chemistry. Calculating its molecular mass is a fundamental concept in analytical chemistry, particularly in stoichiometric calculations and solution preparation.
To calculate the molecular mass of glucose:


Carbon (C): Atomic mass = 12 amu &rarr; 6 atoms &rarr; 6 &times; 12 = 72 amu


Hydrogen (H): Atomic mass = 1 amu &rarr; 12 atoms &rarr; 12 &times; 1 = 12 amu


Oxygen (O): Atomic mass = 16 amu &rarr; 6 atoms &rarr; 6 &times; 16 = 96 amu


Adding these contributions: 72 + 12 + 96 = 180 amu











Thus, the molecular mass of glucose is 180 amu (atomic mass units).
The other options are incorrect:


190 amu or 188 amu overestimate the value.


98 amu is too low and does not match the molecular composition of glucose.


Knowing the molecular mass is crucial in analytical chemistry because it allows scientists and students to calculate moles of a substance, determine molar concentrations, and perform quantitative chemical analyses. In biochemistry, glucose plays a key role as the primary energy source for living organisms, and its molecular mass is used in calculating energy yield during cellular respiration.
Hence, glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) has a molecular mass of 180 amu, making it a standard reference value in chemistry and biology calculations.

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