A molecule contains five atoms and has a molecular weight of 85 g per mole.The atoms are of elements with atomic numbers 1, 6, and 17.Which molecular structure could represent this molecule?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The molecular weight (85 g/mol) suggests that the molecule contains 5 atoms with a total atomic mass of 85 g/mol. We can make an educated guess that the atom with atomic number 1 must be hydrogen because it is the lightest element, and the molecular weight is relatively low. The atom with atomic number 17 must be chlorine, which is the heaviest among the three elements. Therefore, we have a molecule with one hydrogen atom, one chlorine atom, and three carbon atoms. Structure B represents a molecule with this composition.

A Molecule Contains Five Atoms and Has a Molecular Weight