# Elemental Analysis Calculator

## Introduction to Elemental Analysis Calculator

This tool is used to calculate the molar mass of a compound during the elemental analysis. These analysis calculations are lengthy and time-consuming but our calculator has made them quick and easy to understand. This online calculator gives complete information about the given compound.

This article gives information about the elemental analysis process and how you can get quick results using this calculator.

## Elemental Analysis

It is the analysis of an unknown sample (like water, air, soil, etc.). It determines the type and number of atoms, elements, and ions present in a sample. The analysis includes the determination of empirical formula, molecular formula, and molar mass of the sample compound by analyzing the elements present in it.

The analysis may be qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative analysis tells the type of atoms, and elements present in the sample while quantitative analysis tells the number of atoms, and elements present in the sample.

## Input Instructions

You can enter the formula (e.g., C4H4O) of the compound to get the information about it. If you don’t know the formula of the compound then you may enter the name of the compound (e.g., stearic acid). For an unknown reaction equation, enter the unbalanced equation or only enter the reactants. The calculator would predict the balanced reaction equation and estimated products also.

## Benefits of the Elemental Composition Calculator

In the case of an unknown compound, it would determine the:

1. Molar mass.
2. Number of each atom.
3. Charge present on each atom.
4. Isomers of the compound.
5. Chemical structure of the compound.

For an unbalanced chemical equation, it would determine the:

1. Balanced chemical equation.
2. Chemical structure of the reactants and the product.
3. Chemical names of the reactants and the product.
4. Equilibrium constants and rate of reaction.
5. Possible intermediate steps.
6. Properties of the substance involved.

## Physical Techniques

Following are some physical techniques used in the elemental analysis of an unknown sample:

1. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
2. X-ray fluorescence
3. SEM-EDS

## Calculation of Molar Mass

The molar mass of the sample compound can be calculated using the given formula:

$$M \;=\; ∑NiMi \;-\; zm_e$$

Where Ni is the number of each atom, Mi is the atomic mass of each atom, z is the total charge number of the unknown compound, and me is the electron mass.

1. Calculate the number of each atom present in the sample compound (Ni).
2. Multiply the atomic mass of each atom with its total number (NiMi).
3. Multiply the charge number (z) of the sample compound with the electron mass (me).
4. Add all the NiMi values and subtract from the zme value.
5. The answer is the molar mass of the sample compound.
Example Calculate the molar mass of the hydrocarbon present in the given sample.

Step 1: As we know that hydrocarbons consist of carbon and hydrogen, so we do the combustion reaction of the sample in the presence of oxygen. The amount of CO2 and H2O released tells the number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen present.

OR

Use the spectroscopy technique to determine the number of carbon and hydrogen present in the sample. suppose the estimated formula is C18H34O2 (oleic acid).

Step 2: Now, we know the formula of the hydrocarbon. Apply the formula for molar mass calculation.

$$M \;=\; ∑NiMi \;-\; zm_e$$ Carbon atoms: $$N_i \;=\; 18$$ $$M_i \;=\; 12 \;gmol^{-1}$$ $$N_i M_i \;=\; 12 \;x\; 18 \;=\; 216gmol^{-1}$$ Hydrogen atoms: $$N_i \;=\; 34$$ $$M_i \;=\; 1 \;gmol^{-1}$$ $$N_i M_i \;=\; 34 \;x\; 1 \;=\; 34gmol^{-1}$$ Oxygen atoms: $$N_i \;=\; 2$$ $$M_i \;=\; 16 \;gmol^{-1}$$ $$N_i M_i \;=\; 2 \;x\; 16 \;=\; 32gmol^{-1}$$

Step 3: As the hydrocarbon is neutral so, the total charge z is 0 and the product zme is also 0. Now put the values in the formula:

$$M \;=\; 216 \;+\; 34 \;+\; 32 \;–\; 0$$ $$M \;=\; 282 \;gmol^{-1}$$ The molar mass of the hydrocarbon (oleic acid) present in the sample is calculated as 282 gmol-1.

The process seems a little complicated. But cheer up, you’ve got our best calculator for a smooth calculation. So don’t worry!

## Conclusion

There are many physical techniques available for the elemental analysis of an unknown sample. Our elemental analysis calculator is a tool that provides all elemental information about the sample compound. the calculation of the molar mass of a given compound is a lengthy and complicated process. You can save your time and effort by using this calculator.

### Shaun Murphy

Last Updated March 28, 2022

A professional content writer who likes to write on science, technology and education.