key term - C6H12O6

Definition

C6H12O6 is the chemical formula for glucose, a simple sugar that is the primary source of energy for many organisms. It is a key compound in the context of both the phases and classification of matter, as well as the formula mass and mole concept in chemistry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Glucose (C6H12O6) is a monosaccharide, the simplest form of carbohydrate that can be directly metabolized by cells to produce energy.
2. The chemical formula C6H12O6 represents the elemental composition of glucose, with 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms.
3. Glucose is a key precursor in many metabolic pathways, including cellular respiration, which converts glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP.
4. The molar mass of glucose is 180.16 g/mol, which is the mass of one mole of glucose molecules.
5. Glucose can exist in different physical states, such as a solid (crystalline form), liquid (in aqueous solutions), or gas (in the form of water vapor).

Review Questions

• Explain how the chemical formula C6H12O6 represents the composition of glucose and how it relates to the classification of matter.
  • The chemical formula C6H12O6 represents the elemental composition of the glucose molecule, which is a monosaccharide and a type of carbohydrate. The formula indicates that glucose is composed of 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. This specific arrangement of atoms classifies glucose as an organic compound, a type of pure substance that can be further classified as a molecular compound based on its molecular structure. The formula also provides information about the molar mass of glucose, which is an important property related to the classification of matter and the mole concept.
• Describe how the molar mass of glucose (C6H12O6) is calculated and how it can be used to determine the number of glucose molecules in a given mass of the substance.
  • The molar mass of glucose, C6H12O6, is 180.16 g/mol. This means that one mole of glucose (6.022 x 10^23 glucose molecules) has a mass of 180.16 grams. To determine the number of glucose molecules in a given mass of the substance, you can use the mole concept and the molar mass. For example, if you have 36.032 grams of glucose, you can divide this mass by the molar mass of 180.16 g/mol to find the number of moles of glucose present, which is 0.2 moles. Then, you can multiply the number of moles by Avogadro's number (6.022 x 10^23 particles/mol) to find the total number of glucose molecules, which is 1.2 x 10^23 molecules.
• Analyze the role of glucose (C6H12O6) in the context of energy production and the phases of matter, and explain how these concepts are interconnected.
  • Glucose, with the chemical formula C6H12O6, is a crucial molecule in the context of energy production and the phases of matter. As a monosaccharide and a primary source of energy for many organisms, glucose can undergo cellular respiration, a metabolic process that converts it into ATP, the universal energy currency of cells. This energy-releasing process involves the breakdown of glucose, which can occur in different physical states, such as a solid (crystalline form), liquid (in aqueous solutions), or gas (in the form of water vapor produced during respiration). The ability of glucose to exist in various phases of matter is an important property that enables its efficient transport, storage, and utilization within living systems. Furthermore, the molar mass of glucose, which is 180.16 g/mol, is a key factor in determining the number of glucose molecules present in a given mass of the substance, which is crucial for understanding energy production and the overall metabolism of an organism.

Related terms

Monosaccharide: A simple sugar that cannot be broken down into smaller sugar molecules through hydrolysis, such as glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Carbohydrate: A class of macromolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, often in a 1:2:1 ratio, which serve as a primary source of energy for living organisms.

Mole:

The SI unit for the amount of a substance, equal to the number of particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) in 12 grams of carbon-12.