Determining the relative molecular mass of butane

A small butane camping stove on grass

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Use this demonstration to calculate the relative molecular mass of butane using simple apparatus. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students observe as a sample of butane from a small pressurised cylinder is collected over water in a measuring cylinder. By measuring the volume of the gas, and determining its mass by weighing the cylinder before and after collection, students can calculate the relative molecular mass of the butane.

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