1. What is Molecular Weight?

Molecular weight (MW) is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. It's expressed in atomic mass units (u) or grams per mole (g/mol) and is crucial for stoichiometric calculations in chemistry.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the drawn molecular structure to:

Process:

1. User draws or inputs molecular structure
2. System identifies all atoms in the structure
3. Looks up atomic masses from periodic table
4. Sums all atomic masses to get molecular weight

3. Importance of Molecular Weight

Applications: Essential for preparing solutions, chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical formulations, and determining reaction yields.

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions:

• Draw your molecule using the structure editor
• Or input molecular formula (e.g., C6H12O6 for glucose)
• Click "Calculate" to get the molecular weight

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between molecular weight and molar mass?
A: They are numerically identical but molar mass has units of g/mol while molecular weight is unitless.

Q2: How accurate are these calculations?
A: Accuracy depends on the atomic mass values used. Most calculators use IUPAC standard atomic weights.

Q3: Can this handle complex molecules?
A: Yes, the calculator can process any properly drawn organic or inorganic molecule.

Q4: What about isotopic variations?
A: Standard calculations use natural isotopic abundance. Specialized calculators can handle specific isotopes.

Q5: Can I calculate molecular weight from a name?
A: Not directly - you need the molecular formula or structure. Some tools can convert names to formulas.