Question

What is the molecular weight (mass) of $KOH$?

Answer 1

To find the molecular weight of$KOH$ we need to remember the molecular weight of each individual element that is potassium (K), oxygen (O), hydrogen (H) as the molecular masses of them are not given in the question. It is also known as potash alum and potassium hydroxide. We will calculate its molecular mass below.

Complete answer:
To calculate the molecular weight (mass) of$KOH$ we take their atomic masses in the approximation or rounded off to the nearest integer for making the calculation easy and attractive. So we first write the atomic masses of all the elements of$KOH$. Break it down in each element:
Mass of potassium (K)$= 39$
Mass of oxygen (O)$= 16$
Mass of hydrogen (H)$= 1$
Now adding masses of these three elements: mass of potassium (K) + mass of oxygen (O) + mass of hydrogen (H) we get, $= 39 + 16 + 1 = 56$
Therefore, the molecular weight (mass) of KOH is $56g$

Note:
Potassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash and is an inorganic compound. It is a colorless solid and is a strong base as well. Potassium hydroxide is hygroscopic (substance that readily attracts water from its surroundings). It contains varying amounts of water as well as carbonates. When it is dissolved in water it becomes a highly exothermic process. Solid $KOH$ does not dehydrate easily at high temperature. Solid KOH crystallizes in the $NaCl$ crystal structure at higher temperatures. It is also highly thermally stable like $NaOH$.