IB Chemistry 1.4 1.4.2
1.4.2
Structure 1.4 SL & HL ⏱️ ~4 min revision

Relative Masses

Principal mass scales: relative atomic mass Ar, relative formula mass Mr, and molar mass M.

Core Definition

Relative Atomic Mass (Ar)

The weighted mean mass of an atom of an element, relative to ¹⁄₁₂ the mass of a carbon-12 atom.

Symbol: Ar (dimensionless ratio, no units).

Core Formula

Relative Formula Mass (Mr)

The sum of all relative atomic masses of the atoms in a formula unit. It is a ratio with no units.

e.g. Mr(NaCl) = 22.99 + 35.45 = 58.44

Molar Mass (\(M\))

The mass of one mole of a substance. Its value is numerically equal to \(A_r\) or \(M_r\), but has units of g mol⁻¹.

\( n = \frac{m}{M} \)

Worked Example

Calculate Amount in Moles from Mass

Problem: How many moles are in \(10.0\text{ g}\) of Calcium Carbonate (\(\text{CaCO}_3\))?


1. Calculate Molar Mass (\(M\)): \(40.08 + 12.01 + (3 \times 16.00) = 100.09\text{ g mol}^{-1}\)

2. Apply Formula: \(n = \dfrac{m}{M} = \dfrac{10.0\text{ g}}{100.09\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = \mathbf{0.0999\text{ mol}}\)

Try the Moles Calculator

Check your mole calculations instantly - convert between mass, moles, and molar mass.

AQA GCSE & IB Chemistry

Study this topic on the go

Get active recall flashcards, notes, and topic quizzes in ChemEasy, or build your revision schedule with ChemPlan IB.

See our apps