SOLUTION: Weights of atoms and molecules are measured in Atomic Mass Units. A molecule of C2H6 ethane is made up of 2 carbon atoms and 6 Hydrogen atoms weighs 30.07 u. A molecule of C3H8 pro

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Question 920305: Weights of atoms and molecules are measured in Atomic Mass Units. A molecule of C2H6 ethane is made up of 2 carbon atoms and 6 Hydrogen atoms weighs 30.07 u. A molecule of C3H8 propane is made up of 3 Carbon aroms and 8 Hydrogen atoms and weighs 44.097 u. Find the weights of a carbon atom and a hydrogen atom.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39613) About Me  (Show Source):
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Use variables, c atomic mass units for Carbon, and h atomic mass units for Hydrogen.

system%282c%2B6h=30.07%2C3c%2B8h=44.097%29

Start with elimination method to eliminate c to first solve for h. Multiply the ethane equation by 3 and the propane equation by 2, then subtract the equations.

system%286c%2B18h=90.21%2C6c%2B16h=88.194%29

2h=2.016
highlight%28h=1.008%29

Use any method you want to find the amu of carbon. You already know to expect something just a small fraction slightly larger than 12.