What is the formula mass of anhydrous sodium carbonate? (Given that th

What is the formula mass of anhydrous sodium carbonate? (Given that the atomic masses of sodium, carbon and oxygen are 23 u, 12 u and 16 u respectively)

286 u
106 u
83 u
53 u
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2018
The formula mass of anhydrous sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) is 106 u.
– The chemical formula for anhydrous sodium carbonate is Na₂CO₃.
– The formula mass is the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in the formula unit.
– Atomic masses given: Sodium (Na) = 23 u, Carbon (C) = 12 u, Oxygen (O) = 16 u.
– Formula mass of Na₂CO₃ = (2 × Atomic mass of Na) + (1 × Atomic mass of C) + (3 × Atomic mass of O)
– Formula mass = (2 × 23 u) + (1 × 12 u) + (3 × 16 u)
– Formula mass = 46 u + 12 u + 48 u = 106 u.
Anhydrous means without water. Sodium carbonate also exists as hydrated forms, like sodium carbonate decahydrate (washing soda, Na₂CO₃·10H₂O), which would have a significantly higher formula mass due to the inclusion of water molecules.
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