molecular weight

USAGE SUMMARY

"molecular weight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the mass of a molecule, usually expressed in daltons or grams per mole. For example: "The molecular weight of water is 18.015 daltons."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

M, molecular weight marker.

Nature

Molecular weight: 336.

Nature

MW, molecular weight.

Nature

MW, molecular weight marker.

Nature

MW: molecular weight markers.

Nature

13.2 Molecular Weight Distributions.

Stanford University

MW = Molecular weight markers (kDa).

Nature

Molecular weight markers are indicated in kDa.

Nature

The molecular weight is 340,000.

Britannica

Molecular weight markers were run simultaneously.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

high molecular-weight cytokeratin.

Surgical Case Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "molecular weight", ensure you specify the units (e.g., g/mol or Da) for clarity, especially in technical documents or scientific publications.

Common error

Avoid using "molecular weight" without specifying the units, as this can lead to confusion. Also, always provide sufficient context, especially when discussing complex mixtures or polymers, where different types of averages may apply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "molecular weight" functions as a noun, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific property of a molecule, as shown in Ludwig's examples such as "The molecular weight is 340,000."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

98%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "molecular weight" is a grammatically sound and very common term, primarily used in scientific and academic fields to denote the mass of a molecule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable in various contexts. Related phrases include "molar mass" and "relative molecular mass", which can often be used interchangeably. When using "molecular weight", ensure to specify the units for clarity. Common errors include omitting units or failing to provide sufficient context, especially when dealing with complex mixtures. Overall, understanding and correctly using "molecular weight" is crucial for clear and precise communication in scientific and technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

molar mass

This term refers to the mass of one mole of a substance, often used interchangeably with molecular weight.

relative molecular mass

This emphasizes the mass relative to a standard (like carbon-12), providing a dimensionless ratio.

molecular mass

A direct synonym, this term is often used in scientific literature to describe the mass of a molecule.

formula weight

This term is used for ionic compounds and polymers because they do not exist as discrete molecules.

average molecular weight

This describes the mean molecular weight in a sample containing a mixture of molecules with different weights.

weight average molecular weight

A specific type of average that is more sensitive to larger molecules in a mixture.

number average molecular weight

A specific type of average that considers the number of molecules rather than their size.

Dalton

The unit of measure for atomic and molecular mass, equivalent to atomic mass unit.

molecular weight distribution

This describes the range of molecular weights present in a sample, typically of polymers.

molecular size

This refers to the physical dimensions of a molecule, distinct from its mass.

FAQs

How is "molecular weight" calculated?

The "molecular weight" is calculated by summing the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule, typically using values from the periodic table.

What's the difference between "molecular weight" and formula weight?

"Molecular weight" applies to discrete molecules, while "formula weight" is used for ionic compounds and polymers that do not exist as discrete molecules.

Which units are commonly used to express "molecular weight"?

The "molecular weight" is commonly expressed in grams per mole (g/mol) or Daltons (Da).

What is the significance of "molecular weight" in chemistry?

The "molecular weight" is essential for stoichiometric calculations, determining reaction yields, and characterizing substances in chemical reactions and analyses.