The formula mass of aradridic acid, CH₃(CH₂)₁₈COOH, a fatty acid found in peanut oil, is ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To calculate the formula mass, we need to add up the atomic masses of all the atoms in the formula. Using a periodic table, we get:

C: 14 x 12.01 u = 168.14 u
H: 28 x 1.008 u = 28.22 u
S: 2 x 32.06 u = 64.12 u
O: 2 x 15.99 u = 31.98 u

Adding these up gives us a formula mass of 312.538 u, which is closest to choice B.

The Formula Mass of Aradridic Acid, CH3(CH2)18COOH, a Fatty Acid