In: Chemistry
what is the difference betweeen theoretically determined and experimentally determined molar massess. which one is more accurate?
Molecular weight is dependent on number of moles of a substance in a mixture.
Theoretically determined molar masses are calculated using data sheets or values from periodic table but the experimentally determined molar masses are calculated by doing experiments.
Consider the case of molar mass of PCl5.
If the sample of PCl5 taken is assumed to be 100 % pure and non- dissociating, its theoretical and experimental molar masses would be equal.
But in reality, PCl5 dissociates as follows -
PCl5 ---------> PCl3 + Cl2
The number of molecules in the mixture has changed and hence the number of moles. The experimentally determined molar mass will now be different from theoretical molar mass.
Also, there is always a chance of error ( natural error, human error etc) while carrying out experiments.
From the above arguements, we can conclude that theoretically determined molar masses are more accurate. Actually, these values are the ideal or the reference values.