Question

What is the significance of the formula of a substance? The molecular formula of glucose is C₆H₁₂O₆. Calculate its molecular mass. (Atomic masses: C = 12 u; H = 1 u; O = 16 u)

Answer 1

The significance of the formula of the substance is that it tells us about the components of the substance and tells about their chemical relationship.

The molecular mass of glucose,
$$\begin{gathered} =6\times \mathrm{C}+12\times \mathrm{H}+6\times \mathrm{O} \\ =6\times 12+12\times 1+6\times 16 \\ =72+12+96 \\ =180\mathrm{u} \end{gathered}$$