What is the Difference Between Atomic Mass and Molar Mass?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between atomic mass and molar mass lies in the unit of measurement and the quantity they represent. Here are the key differences:
- Atomic Mass:
- Represents the mass of a single atom or molecule of a substance.
- Expressed in atomic mass units (amu), which is defined as $\frac{1}{12}$ of the mass of a single carbon-12 atom.
- For example, the atomic mass of hydrogen is approximately 1 amu, while that of sodium is about 23 amu.
- Molar Mass:
- Represents the mass of one mole of a substance.
- Expressed in grams (g).
- The molar mass of a substance is numerically equivalent to the atomic mass of the substance in amu. For example, one mole of hydrogen has a mass of approximately 1 g, while one mole of sodium has a mass of about 23 g.
In summary, atomic mass refers to the mass of a single atom or molecule, while molar mass refers to the mass of one mole of a substance. Atomic mass is expressed in atomic mass units, while molar mass is expressed in grams.
Comparative Table: Atomic Mass vs Molar Mass
Here is a table that highlights the differences between atomic mass and molar mass:
Property | Atomic Mass | Molar Mass |
---|---|---|
Definition | Atomic mass is the mass of one individual unit of a substance. | Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance. |
Unit | Atomic mass units (a.m.u.). | Grams per mole (g/mol). |
Calculation | Atomic mass is calculated by adding the atomic masses of all elements in a compound. | Molar mass is calculated by multiplying the atomic mass of an element by its molar concentration in a solution. |
Application | Atomic mass is used to determine the identity of an element or a molecule. | Molar mass is used to convert the amount of a substance to its mass or vice versa. |
To illustrate the difference, consider the compound sodium chloride (NaCl). The atomic mass of sodium is 22.99 a.m.u., and the atomic mass of chlorine is 35.45 a.m.u.. The molar mass of sodium is 22.99 g/mol, and the molar mass of chlorine is 35.45 g/mol. While atomic mass is specific to individual atoms, molar mass is related to the mass of one mole of a substance, making it more relevant for chemical reactions and calculations involving macromolecules.
- Mass vs Molar Mass
- Atomic Mass vs Molecular Weight
- Molar Mass vs Molecular Mass
- Atomic Weight vs Atomic Mass
- Atomic Mass Unit vs Atomic Mass
- Mass Number vs Atomic Mass
- Atomic Mass vs Average Atomic Mass
- Formula Mass vs Molar Mass
- Atomic Weight vs Mass Number
- Atomic Number vs Mass Number
- Gram Atomic Mass vs Gram Molecular Mass
- Exact Mass vs Molecular Weight
- Atomic Number vs Atomic Weight
- Formula Unit Mass vs Molecular Mass
- Atom vs Molecule
- Mole Fraction vs Mass Fraction
- Atomic vs Molecular Elements
- Mass vs Matter
- Molecule vs Atom