-3
$\begingroup$

I am starting be re-learn Chemistry after several years.

The Book I am using has a test question to calculate the relative atomic mass of:

$ (CH_3CO)_2O $

My take

Carbon C, $ A_r = 56 $
Hydrogen H, $ A_r = 1 $
Oxygen O, $ A_r = 16 $

$ M_r = ( 56 + 1 \times 3 + 56 + 16 ) \times 2 + 16 = 131 \times 2 + 16 = 278 $

This is nothing like the answer given in the answer key. Is there an error in my text book?

If not where am I going wrong?


Edit: Problem was a misprint in my text book. See correct answer below

$\endgroup$
1
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ Wow! Is relative atomic mass of carbon 56? $\endgroup$
    – Zenix
    Mar 8, 2020 at 12:37

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

Solved. The problem was a typing error in the text book $ A_r $ for carbon should of course be 12 not 56. This is given correctly in the periodic table shown on the back cover but was misprinted in the body of chapter 1 of my book.

Thanks to Zenix for pointing this out in comments.

$ M_r $ of $ (CH_3CO)_2O $

Carbon C, $ A_r = 12 $
Hydrogen H, $ A_r = 1 $
Oxygen O, $ A_r = 16 $

$ M_r = ( 12 + 1 \times 3 + 12 + 16 ) \times 2 + 16 = 43 \times 2 + 16 = 102$

This matches the answer given in the answer key.

I have not studied chemistry in over 30 years which explains why 56 as a relative atomic mass for Carbon did not scream out as being wrong.

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Hey, $A_r$ for carbon, not copper (in first sentence). $\endgroup$
    – Zenix
    Mar 8, 2020 at 14:12

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.