The atomic mass of sulphur is 32 u, and sulphur exists as S₈ molecules. What is the molecular mass of sulphur? 

The correct answer is 256 u.

Key Points

• The atomic mass of sulphur is 32 u.
• Sulphur exists as S₈ molecules.
• To find the molecular mass of sulphur, multiply the atomic mass of sulphur by the number of atoms in one molecule of sulphur.
• Calculation: 32u×8=256u32u×8=256u $32 \, \text{u} \times 8 = 256 \, \text{u}$
• Thus, the molecular mass of sulphur is 256 u.

 Additional Information

• Atomic Mass Unit (u)
  • An atomic mass unit (u) is a standard unit of mass that quantifies mass on an atomic or molecular scale.
  • It is defined as one-twelfth of the mass of an unbound atom of carbon-12 at rest and in its ground state.
• Molecular Mass
  • The molecular mass (or molecular weight) is the mass of a given molecule and is calculated as the sum of the atomic masses of the atoms in the molecule.
  • It is typically measured in atomic mass units (u).