CE
Chief Editor
Oct 16, 2022
Calculate number of molecules in given moles of a substance
Methane (CH4) is the major component of natural gas. How many molecules are present in 0.5 moles of a pure sample of methane?
At high temperature hydrogen sulphites (H2S) gas given off by a volcano is oxidized by air to sulphur dioxide (SO2). Sulphur dioxide reacts with water to form acid rain. How many molecules are there in 0.25 moles of SO2?
Verified
Problem solving strategy:
Remember that CH4 is a molecular compound, thus 1 mole of methane will have 6.022 x 1023 molecules. Similarly, SO2, is a molecular compound its one mole will also have 6.022 x 1023 molecules.
Solution:
(a) 1 mole of CH4 contains = 6.022 x 1023 molecules
So, 0.5 moles of CH4 will contain = 6.022 x 1023 x 0.5 = 3.011 x 1023 molecules
(b) 1 mole of SO2 contains = 6.022 x 1023 molecules
So, 0.25 moles of SO2 will contain = 6.022 x 1023 x0.25 = 1.5055 x 1023 molecules