Question

Each molecule of lycopene contains 40 atoms of carbon (plus other atoms). The mass percent of carbon in lycopene is 84.49%. What is the molar mass of lycopene?a. 1137.2 g/mol
b. 405.9 g/mol
c. 480.4 g/mol
d. 473.4 g/mol
e. 568.6 g/mol

Answer 1

Answer: 568g/mol

Explanation:

It should be noted that there are 40 atoms of carbon in lycopene.

Since mass of 1 carbon = 12g/mol

Mass of 40 carbon atoms = 40 × 12g/mol = 480g/mol

Let the molar mass of lycopene be represented by x.

Therefore the molar mass of carbon = x × mass percent of carbon in lycopene

x × 84.49% = 480g/mol

x × 0.8449 = 480g/mol

x = 480/0.8449

x = 568g/mol

The molar mass of lycopene is 568g/mol