Example 3.2: Computing Formula Mass for an Ionic Compound
Solution
The formula for this compound indicates it contains
\(\ce{Al^3+}\) and
\(\ce{SO4^2-}\) ions combined in a 2:3 ratio. For purposes of computing a formula mass, it is helpful to rewrite the formula in the simpler format,
\(\ce{Al2S3O12}\). Following the approach outlined above, the formula mass for this compound is calculated as follows: