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Matter · Amount of substance

Calculations with Moles

Before you start, make sure you know: Atomic mass and molecular mass (Secondary Year 3)

An LP gas tank for a stove, a fire extinguisher, and the air you breathe have something in common: to make or study them, you need to know how many moles of substance they contain. The mole is the bridge between what you weigh on a balance (the macroscopic scale) and the atoms and molecules you can't see (the atomic scale). On this page you will learn to cross that bridge in both directions.

From mass to moles

In the lab you measure matter with a balance, in grams, but substances react atom by atom. If you weigh $12\ \text{g}$ of carbon and $12\ \text{g}$ of magnesium, do they have the same number of atoms even though the balance reads the same?

A sample weighed on a balance is divided by the molar mass M and results in a number of packs of one mole each: the moles n. n = m / M g mass (g) ÷ M 1 mol 1 mol 1 mol moles (n)

Answer to the carbon and magnesium example: $12\ \text{g}$ of C is $1\ \text{mol}$ ($M = 12\ \text{g/mol}$), but $12\ \text{g}$ of Mg is only $0.49\ \text{mol}$ ($M \approx 24.3\ \text{g/mol}$). Same mass, different number of atoms.

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You have $36\ \text{g}$ of water in a glass. Knowing that the molar mass of water is $18\ \text{g/mol}$, calculate how many moles of water the glass contains.

You have $36\ \text{g}$ of water in a glass. Knowing that the molar mass of water is $18\ \text{g/mol}$, calculate how many moles of water the glass contains.

Solve
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In a laboratory, they weigh $58.5\ \text{g}$ of common salt, $\text{NaCl}$, whose molar mass is $58.5\ \text{g/mol}$. How many moles of salt have they weighed out?

In a laboratory, they weigh $58.5\ \text{g}$ of common salt, $\text{NaCl}$, whose molar mass is $58.5\ \text{g/mol}$. How many moles of salt have they weighed out?

Solve

From moles to mass

Diagram between moles and mass in grams: you multiply by the molar mass to go from moles to mass. moles (n) mass (g) × M
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A fire extinguisher contains $3\ \text{mol}$ of carbon dioxide. If the molar mass of $\text{CO}2$ is $44\ \text{g/mol}$, what mass of gas does the fire extinguisher…

A fire extinguisher contains $3\ \text{mol}$ of carbon dioxide. If the molar mass of $\text{CO}_2$ is $44\ \text{g/mol}$, what mass of gas does the fire extinguisher contain?

Solve
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In a pharmacy, they use $0.25\ \text{mol}$ of ethanol ($M = 46\ \text{g/mol}$) to prepare a disinfectant. What mass of ethanol have they used?

In a pharmacy, they use $0.25\ \text{mol}$ of ethanol ($M = 46\ \text{g/mol}$) to prepare a disinfectant. What mass of ethanol have they used?

Solve
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An iron nail weighs $5.6\ \text{g}$ (molar mass of iron: $56\ \text{g/mol}$). a) How many moles of iron atoms does the nail contain? b) How many atoms is this? (Given:…

An iron nail weighs $5.6\ \text{g}$ (molar mass of iron: $56\ \text{g/mol}$).

  1. a) How many moles of iron atoms does the nail contain?
  2. b) How many atoms is this? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)
Solve

From moles to number of particles

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A laboratory flask contains $0.5\ \text{mol}$ of glucose dissolved in water. How many molecules of glucose are in the flask? (Given:…

A laboratory flask contains $0.5\ \text{mol}$ of glucose dissolved in water. How many molecules of glucose are in the flask? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)

Solve
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An electrical cable contains $2\ \text{mol}$ of copper atoms. How many copper atoms is this? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)

An electrical cable contains $2\ \text{mol}$ of copper atoms. How many copper atoms is this? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)

Solve
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When a soft drink is opened, $4.4\ \text{g}$ of $\text{CO}2$ escapes (molar mass: $44\ \text{g/mol}$). a) How many moles of gas have escaped? b) How many molecules is…

When a soft drink is opened, $4.4\ \text{g}$ of $\text{CO}_2$ escapes (molar mass: $44\ \text{g/mol}$).

  1. a) How many moles of gas have escaped?
  2. b) How many molecules is this? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)
Solve
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A drop of water falling from a tap weighs $0.09\ \text{g}$ ($M(\text{H}2\text{O}) = 18\ \text{g/mol}$). a) How many moles of water are in the drop? b) How many molecules…

A drop of water falling from a tap weighs $0.09\ \text{g}$ ($M(\text{H}_2\text{O}) = 18\ \text{g/mol}$).

  1. a) How many moles of water are in the drop?
  2. b) How many molecules does it contain? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)
  3. c) Each water molecule has $2$ hydrogen atoms: how many hydrogen atoms are in the drop?
  4. d) Comment on the results: do you think it is possible to count these molecules one by one?
Solve

The volume of one mole of gas

If you measure, at $0\ ^\circ\text{C}$ and $1\ \text{atm}$, the volume of $2\ \text{g}$ of $\text{H}_2$, of $28\ \text{g}$ of $\text{N}_2$, and of $44\ \text{g}$ of $\text{CO}_2$, all three occupy $22.4\ \text{L}$. How is it possible that such different gases, with such different masses, occupy the same volume?

Two identical containers at standard conditions: one with 1 mole of helium (4 g) and another with 1 mole of carbon dioxide (44 g). Both have the same number of particles, widely spaced, and occupy 22.4 L. Helium (He) Carbon dioxide (CO₂) = volume 1 mol of He · 4 g V = 22.4 L 1 mol of CO₂ · 44 g V = 22.4 L He atom C atom O atom Standard conditions: 0 °C and 1 atm

In a gas the particles are so far apart that their size hardly matters compared with the distance between them. That is why, at the same pressure and temperature, the same number of molecules occupies the same volume, whether they are light or heavy.

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Under standard conditions, that is, at $0\ \celsius$ and $1\ \text{atm}$ of pressure, one mole of any gas occupies $22.4\ \text{L}$, as shown in the diagram. A balloon…

Under standard conditions, that is, at $0\ \celsius$ and $1\ \text{atm}$ of pressure, one mole of any gas occupies $22.4\ \text{L}$, as shown in the diagram.

1 mol 22.4 L any gas 2 mol V = ? helium standard conditions: 0 °C · 1 atm

A balloon contains $2\ \text{mol}$ of helium. What volume does the gas occupy under standard conditions?

Solve
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An airtight bag contains $11.2\ \text{L}$ of air measured under standard conditions ($22.4\ \text{L/mol}$). How many moles of air are inside the bag?

An airtight bag contains $11.2\ \text{L}$ of air measured under standard conditions ($22.4\ \text{L/mol}$). How many moles of air are inside the bag?

Solve
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Natural gas, which is almost entirely methane, $\text{CH}4$ ($M = 16\ \text{g/mol}$), arrives through the pipes of many homes. a) How many moles of methane are in…

Natural gas, which is almost entirely methane, $\text{CH}_4$ ($M = 16\ \text{g/mol}$), arrives through the pipes of many homes.

  1. a) How many moles of methane are in $16\ \text{g}$?
  2. b) What volume would they occupy under standard conditions ($22.4\ \text{L/mol}$)?
Solve

Chaining the paths together

Conversion map: mass becomes moles by dividing by the molar mass; moles become particles by multiplying by Avogadro's number and, only for gases, volume by multiplying by 22.4 L/mol. m mass (g) n moles (mol) N particles V volume (L) ÷ M × NA × 22.4 (gases only)
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In the laboratory, a $0.25\ \text{mol}$ sample of an unknown gas weighs $11\ \text{g}$. a) Calculate the molar mass of the gas. b) Which gas could it be: methane,…

In the laboratory, a $0.25\ \text{mol}$ sample of an unknown gas weighs $11\ \text{g}$.

  1. a) Calculate the molar mass of the gas.
  2. b) Which gas could it be: methane, $\text{CH}_4$ ($M = 16\ \text{g/mol}$), or propane, $\text{C}_3\text{H}_8$ ($M = 44\ \text{g/mol}$)? Justify your answer.
Solve
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A small weather balloon contains $11.2\ \text{L}$ of nitrogen, $\text{N}2$, measured under standard conditions ($22.4\ \text{L/mol}$). a) How many moles of $\text{N}2$…

A small weather balloon contains $11.2\ \text{L}$ of nitrogen, $\text{N}_2$, measured under standard conditions ($22.4\ \text{L/mol}$).

  1. a) How many moles of $\text{N}_2$ does it contain?
  2. b) How many molecules is this? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)
Solve
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A gold ingot contains $1.2044\times10^{24}$ gold atoms (molar mass of gold: $197\ \text{g/mol}$). a) How many moles of gold is this? (Given:…

A gold ingot contains $1.2044\times10^{24}$ gold atoms (molar mass of gold: $197\ \text{g/mol}$).

  1. a) How many moles of gold is this? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)
  2. b) How much does the ingot weigh?
Solve
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A car emits $44\ \text{g}$ of $\text{CO}2$ (molar mass: $44\ \text{g/mol}$) on a short journey. a) How many moles of $\text{CO}2$ has it emitted? b) Considering the…

A car emits $44\ \text{g}$ of $\text{CO}_2$ (molar mass: $44\ \text{g/mol}$) on a short journey.

  1. a) How many moles of $\text{CO}_2$ has it emitted?
  2. b) Considering the formula $\text{CO}_2$, how many moles of oxygen atoms does this emission contain?
  3. c) How many molecules of $\text{CO}_2$ has it emitted? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)
Solve
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Before a race, a runner takes an energy gel containing $9\ \text{g}$ of glucose (molar mass: $180\ \text{g/mol}$). a) How many moles of glucose is this? b) How many…

Before a race, a runner takes an energy gel containing $9\ \text{g}$ of glucose (molar mass: $180\ \text{g/mol}$).

  1. a) How many moles of glucose is this?
  2. b) How many molecules of glucose will she take? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)
Solve
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In the kitchen there are two bottles: one with $100\ \text{g}$ of water ($M = 18\ \text{g/mol}$) and another with $100\ \text{g}$ of ethyl alcohol or ethanol (…

In the kitchen there are two bottles: one with $100\ \text{g}$ of water ($M = 18\ \text{g/mol}$) and another with $100\ \text{g}$ of ethyl alcohol or ethanol ($M = 46\ \text{g/mol}$).

  1. a) Calculate how many moles are in each bottle, to one decimal place.
  2. b) Which of the two contains more molecules? Justify your answer.
  3. c) Without doing further calculations, explain what the molar mass of a substance would need to be like for $100\ \text{g}$ of it to contain more molecules than $100\ \text{g}$ of water.
Solve
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When you do sports, your cells 'burn' glucose with oxygen according to the reaction:…

When you do sports, your cells 'burn' glucose with oxygen according to the reaction:

$\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\ \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\ \text{CO}_2 + 6\ \text{H}_2\text{O}$

The diagram shows the particles involved in the reaction:

C₆H₁₂O₆ 90 g + 6 O₂ n = ? 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O

The equation is read as follows: for every mole of glucose, $6\ \text{mol}$ of $\text{O}_2$ are consumed and $6\ \text{mol}$ of $\text{CO}_2$ are formed. An athlete burns $90\ \text{g}$ of glucose ($M = 180\ \text{g/mol}$) during a training session.

  1. a) How many moles of glucose has he burned?
  2. b) How many moles of oxygen has he consumed?
  3. c) What volume does this oxygen occupy under standard conditions ($22.4\ \text{L/mol}$)?
Solve
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A camping gas cylinder contains $5.8\ \text{kg}$ of butane, $\text{C}4\text{H}{10}$ ($M = 58\ \text{g/mol}$). a) Express the mass in grams and calculate how many moles…

A camping gas cylinder contains $5.8\ \text{kg}$ of butane, $\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10}$ ($M = 58\ \text{g/mol}$).

  1. a) Express the mass in grams and calculate how many moles of butane are in the cylinder.
  2. b) What volume would that gas occupy under standard conditions ($22.4\ \text{L/mol}$)? Express it also in $\text{m}^3$ ($1\ \text{m}^3 = 1000\ \text{L}$).
  3. c) The cylinder has a capacity of only $12\ \text{L}$. Explain how it is possible for so much gas to fit inside it, considering the state of the butane inside the cylinder.
Solve
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In the laboratory, a gas is collected in a container: a sample of $3.2\ \text{g}$ occupies $2.24\ \text{L}$ under standard conditions ($22.4\ \text{L/mol}$). a) How many…

In the laboratory, a gas is collected in a container: a sample of $3.2\ \text{g}$ occupies $2.24\ \text{L}$ under standard conditions ($22.4\ \text{L/mol}$).

  1. a) How many moles of gas are in the sample?
  2. b) Calculate the molar mass of the gas.
  3. c) Which gas is it: oxygen, $\text{O}_2$ ($M = 32\ \text{g/mol}$), or nitrogen, $\text{N}_2$ ($M = 28\ \text{g/mol}$)? Explain how you know.
Solve
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Avogadro discovered that equal volumes of different gases, under the same conditions, contain the same number of molecules. We have two $22.4\ \text{L}$ containers under…

Avogadro discovered that equal volumes of different gases, under the same conditions, contain the same number of molecules. We have two $22.4\ \text{L}$ containers under standard conditions: one with propane, $\text{C}_3\text{H}_8$ ($M = 44\ \text{g/mol}$), and another with carbon dioxide, $\text{CO}_2$ ($M = 44\ \text{g/mol}$). Observe the diagram in the figure.

22.4 L C₃H₈ n = ? · m = ? 22.4 L CO₂ n = ? · m = ?
  1. a) How many moles are in each container? Which one contains more molecules?
  2. b) What is the mass of the gas in each container? Does the result surprise you? Explain why.
  3. c) Which of the two containers contains more atoms in total? Justify your answer by counting the atoms in each molecule.
Solve
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A teaspoon of table salt, $\text{NaCl}$ ($M = 58.5\ \text{g/mol}$), contains $5.85\ \text{g}$ of salt. a) How many moles of $\text{NaCl}$ are in the teaspoon? b) Salt is…

A teaspoon of table salt, $\text{NaCl}$ ($M = 58.5\ \text{g/mol}$), contains $5.85\ \text{g}$ of salt.

  1. a) How many moles of $\text{NaCl}$ are in the teaspoon?
  2. b) Salt is an ionic compound: instead of molecules, it contains equal numbers of $\text{Na}^+$ ions and $\text{Cl}^-$ ions. How many moles of $\text{Na}^+$ ions and how many of $\text{Cl}^-$ ions are in the teaspoon?
  3. c) How many ions are there in total in the teaspoon? (Given: $N_{\text{A}} = 6.022\times10^{23}\ \text{mol}^{-1}$)
Solve
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A delivery van emits $220\ \text{g}$ of $\text{CO}2$ ($M = 44\ \text{g/mol}$) for every kilometer it travels. On a working day, it covers $100\ \text{km}$. a) What mass…

A delivery van emits $220\ \text{g}$ of $\text{CO}_2$ ($M = 44\ \text{g/mol}$) for every kilometer it travels. On a working day, it covers $100\ \text{km}$.

  1. a) What mass of $\text{CO}_2$ does it emit in one day? Express it in grams and in kilograms.
  2. b) How many moles of $\text{CO}_2$ is this?
  3. c) What volume would that gas occupy under standard conditions ($22.4\ \text{L/mol}$)? Express the result in $\text{m}^3$ ($1\ \text{m}^3 = 1000\ \text{L}$).
  4. d) The cargo area of a van has a volume of about $10\ \text{m}^3$. Compare that volume with that of the gas emitted and comment on why efforts are made to reduce vehicle emissions.
Solve

Back to the beginning: a stationary LP gas tank with $12.5\ \text{kg}$ of butane ($M = 58\ \text{g/mol}$) contains $12{,}500\ \text{g} \div 58\ \text{g/mol} \approx 215.5\ \text{mol}$. It is the way to know "how much matter" is inside, without counting a single molecule.

Summary

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