To determine the number of atoms in one gram of an element, you need to use Avogadro's number and the molar mass of the element. Here's the step-by-step process:
Identify the molar mass of the element: The molar mass is the mass of one mole of atoms of the element. It is expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). The molar mass can be found on the periodic table by locating the atomic mass of the element.
Calculate the number of moles: Divide the given mass (in this case, one gram) of the element by its molar mass. This calculation will give you the number of moles of the element.
Use Avogadro's number: Avogadro's number (6.022 x 10^23) represents the number of atoms in one mole of any substance. Multiply the number of moles calculated in step 2 by Avogadro's number to determine the number of atoms.
Here's an example calculation for carbon:
- Molar mass of carbon (C) = 12.01 g/mol (from the periodic table).
- Number of moles of carbon = 1 g / 12.01 g/mol ≈ 0.083 moles.
- Number of atoms of carbon = 0.083 moles x (6.022 x 10^23 atoms/mol) ≈ 5.02 x 10^22 atoms.
So, in one gram of carbon, there are approximately 5.02 x 10^22 carbon atoms.
Remember that this calculation assumes you have a pure sample of the element, and the molar mass is for a single atom, not a molecule or a compound.