Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
This is a straightforward **mole calculation** using the formula:
**Number of moles = Mass / Molar mass**
You're given:
- Mass of H₂O = 36 g
- Molar mass (M) of H₂O = 18 g/mol
So: Number of moles = 36 g ÷ 18 g/mol = **2 moles**
Think of it like this: if one "pack" of water molecules weighs 18 g, how many packs are in 36 g? Exactly 2 packs!
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
- **Option A (0.5)**: You might flip the formula and divide 18 by 36 instead. Always put the given mass on top!
- **Option B (1)**: Perhaps you forgot to do the division entirely, or confused 18 with 36.
- **Option D (4)**: You may have multiplied instead of dividing (36 × something), mixing up the formula direction.
**Quick takeaway**
**"Moles = Mass over Molar mass"** — write it as n = m/M and you'll never forget which number goes where. If you have more grams than the molar mass, you must have more than 1 mole!
Want this in Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa? Sign up free →
Practice more Chemistry questions
JAMB UTME Chemistry has thousands more questions like this — with AI explanations on every one.