Chemistry - Exploring the World of Molecules and Atoms
How can we determine the number of molecules and atoms in 15.5g of oxalic acid?
Given the data of having 15.5g of oxalic acid, what amount is represented by 15.5g of oxalic acid and how many molecules of oxalic acid are present in 15.5g? Moreover, how many atoms of carbon are found in 15.5g of oxalic acid?
Answer:
In 15.5g of oxalic acid, there are approximately 1.03*10^23 molecules of oxalic acid and around 2.06*10^23 carbon atoms.
Chemistry is an incredible field that allows us to delve into the microscopic world of molecules and atoms. By understanding the composition of different compounds, we can calculate the number of molecules and atoms present in a given mass of a substance.
In this scenario, we are exploring the compound oxalic acid, H2C2O4, which consists of 2 Hydrogen atoms, 2 Carbon atoms, and 4 Oxygen atoms. To determine the number of molecules and atoms in 15.5g of oxalic acid, we need to follow a few steps.
Firstly, we need to calculate the molar mass of oxalic acid (H2C2O4). The molar mass is the sum of the atomic masses of each element in the compound. For oxalic acid: Molar mass (M) = (2*1.01g) + (2*12.01g) + (4*16.00g) = 90.04 g/mol.
Next, we calculate the number of moles of oxalic acid in 15.5g using the formula: n = Mass / Molar mass = 15.5g / 90.04 g/mol ≈ 0.172 mol.
Then, we determine the number of molecules using Avogadro's number (6.02*10^23). Number of molecules = number of moles * Avogadro's number = 0.172 mol * 6.02*10^23 ≈ 1.03*10^23 molecules.
Finally, since there are 2 carbon atoms in each oxalic acid molecule, we can find the total number of carbon atoms by multiplying the number of molecules by 2. Total Carbon atoms = 2 * number of molecules = 2*1.03*10^23 ≈ 2.06*10^23 carbon atoms.
This process showcases the fascinating calculations involved in determining the molecular and atomic composition of a compound like oxalic acid. It highlights the precision and complexity of chemistry, offering insights into the intricacies of the natural world.