To determine the molar mass of methane (\(\text{CH}_4\)), you need to consider the individual molar masses of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H).
1. Identify the atomic masses:
- The atomic mass of carbon (C) is given as \(12.01 \, \text{g/mol}\).
- The atomic mass of hydrogen (H) is given as \(1.01 \, \text{g/mol}\).
2. Count the number of each type of atom in \(\text{CH}_4\):
- Methane (\(\text{CH}_4\)) has 1 carbon atom and 4 hydrogen atoms.
3. Calculate the molar mass:
- The total mass contributed by carbon is \(12.01 \, \text{g/mol} \times 1 = 12.01 \, \text{g/mol}\).
- The total mass contributed by hydrogen is \(1.01 \, \text{g/mol} \times 4 = 4.04 \, \text{g/mol}\).
4. Add the contributions from both elements to get the molar mass of \(\text{CH}_4\):
[tex]\[
12.01 \, \text{g/mol} + 4.04 \, \text{g/mol} = 16.05 \, \text{g/mol}
\][/tex]
Thus, the molar mass of \(\text{CH}_4\) is \(16.05 \, \text{g/mol}\).
Given the choices:
A. \(1 \, \text{g/mol}\)
B. \(4 \, \text{g/mol}\)
C. \(13.02 \, \text{g/mol}\)
D. \(16.05 \, \text{g/mol}\)
The correct answer is:
D. [tex]\(16.05 \, \text{g/mol}\)[/tex]
