What calculation demonstrates that oxygen weighs 16 times more than hydrogen?

Study for the OSAT Physical Science Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

To demonstrate that oxygen weighs 16 times more than hydrogen, it is crucial to understand the molar masses of both elements. The atomic mass of hydrogen is approximately 1 g/mol, while the atomic mass of oxygen is about 16 g/mol. When comparing their weights in terms of moles, the ratio of these atomic masses will clearly indicate that oxygen is indeed 16 times heavier than hydrogen.

In the correct calculation, the division of the total weight of oxygen (88.9 g in the example, which effectively represents the weight of several moles of oxygen) by the corresponding weight of hydrogen (11.1 g for a factor of 1 mole of hydrogen) leads to the conclusion that the weight of oxygen is indeed 16 times higher. Thus, using this proportionality in weights and the factor calculations of their respective molar masses leads to the result showing the clear disparity in weight, confirming the assertion that oxygen weighs 16 times more than hydrogen.

This process of analyzing the weight ratio reveals the significant difference in the elemental weights of hydrogen and oxygen, which is foundational in various fields of science, particularly in understanding reactions involving these gases.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy