How does the mole relate to molecules and ions?

1 Answer
Nam D.
Mar 18, 2018

Well, we say that the mole of a substance is equal to #6.02*10^23# of that substance.

Explanation:

Scientifically speaking, the mole is equal to the number of atoms in exactly #12 \ "g"# of #""^12C#, that is carbon-#12#. In chemistry, this is often denoted by a simple #n#.

It is found that approximately #6.02*10^23# atoms of carbon-#12# will weigh all together #12 \ "g"#.

So, we say that the mole of something is equal to around #6.02*10^23# of that something, and that's a lot!

Anyways, scientists will often use moles to calculate stoichiometric reactions, in which we can find limiting reactants and percentage yields for example.

For more history, check out:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mole_(unit)

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