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To solve this problem, we need to calculate the value of \( x \) in the chemical formula of aspirin, \( \text{C}_9 \text{H}_x \text{O}_4 \), given the molecular weight of aspirin is 180.15 u (unified atomic mass units).

1. **Atomic weights**:
   - Carbon (C) = 12.01 u
   - Hydrogen (H) = 1.008 u
   - Oxygen (O) = 16.00 u

2. **Molecular formula setup**:
   - The molecular weight contribution from Carbon (C): \( 9 \times 12.01 = 108.09 \) u
   - The molecular weight contribution from Oxygen (O): \( 4 \times 16.00 = 64.00 \) u

3. **Total weight from known elements**:  
   The total molecular weight from Carbon and Oxygen is:  
   \[
   108.09 \, \text{u (from C)} + 64.00 \, \text{u (from O)} = 172.09 \, \text{u}
   \]

4. **Determine hydrogen's contribution**:
   The remaining mass is due to Hydrogen:
   \[
   180.15 \, \text{u (total)} - 172.09 \, \text{u (from C and O)} = 8.06 \, \text{u (from H)}
   \]

5. **Calculate \( x \)**:  
   To find the number of hydrogen atoms \( x \), we divide the hydrogen mass by the atomic weight of hydrogen:
   \[
   x = \frac{8.06}{1.008} \approx 8
   \]

Thus, the value of \( x \) is approximately **8**.

Let me know if you'd like more details or have any other questions! Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

1. How does the molecular weight of aspirin compare to other common compounds like glucose?
2. What role do hydrogen atoms play in the properties of aspirin?
3. How does the structure of aspirin contribute to its function as a medication?
4. How is the molecular formula of aspirin used to determine its dosage in medical use?
5. How can you use molecular weights to find empirical formulas for unknown compounds?

**Tip**: Always double-check atomic weights as they may slightly vary based on isotope distribution.

Aspirin has the molecular weight of 180.15 u and is represented by the formula C9HxO4. What is the value of x?

Learn how to determine the value of x in the molecular formula of aspirin (C9HxO4) by using atomic mass calculations and molecular weights. This stoichiometry problem involves calculating the contributions of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Suitable for students in Grades 9-12.

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