What is the formula mass of ethyl alcohol, C2H5OH?

To calculate the formula mass of a compound, you need to multiply the atomic mass of each element by the number of atoms of that element in the compound and then sum up the masses.

The molecular formula for ethyl alcohol is C₂H₅OH, which consists of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). The atomic masses of these elements are approximately:

Carbon (C): 12.01 grams per mole (g/mol)
Hydrogen (H): 1.008 g/mol
Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol
Now, let's calculate the formula mass of ethyl alcohol:

C₂H₅OH:

Carbon (C): 2 atoms x 12.01 g/mol = 24.02 g/mol
Hydrogen (H): 5 atoms x 1.008 g/mol = 5.04 g/mol
Oxygen (O): 1 atom x 16.00 g/mol = 16.00 g/mol
Add up the masses:

24.02 g/mol + 5.04 g/mol + 16.00 g/mol = 45.06 g/mol

Therefore, the formula mass of ethyl alcohol (C₂H₅OH) is approximately 45.06 grams per mole (g/mol).