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QUESTION

# In calculations, do the molar masses of diatomic elements ever need to be doubled to account for this?

Yes. Diatomic elements exist as molecules with the basic formula "X"_2", where "X" represents the element, and "X"_2" represents a molecule consisting of two "X" atoms covalently bonded. Therefore, the molar mass for one "X" atom is doubled when determining the molar mass of the molecule "X"_2.

For example, a molecule of hydrogen gas has the formula "H"_2", which means it consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded. The molar mass of a single hydrogen atom is 1 g/mol. The molar mass of a hydrogen molecule is 2 x 1 g/mol = 2 g/mol.

Likewise, a molecule of oxygen gas has the formula "O"_2. The molar mass of a single oxygen atom is 16 g/mol. The molar mass of an "O"_2 molecule is 2 x 16g/mol = 32 g/mol.

Note: Given molar masses have been rounded to a whole number.