Question

How many grams is 4.2X10^24 atoms of sulfur?

Answer 1

First find the number of moles of sulfur using dimensional analysis with avogadro’s number as the conversion factor. 4.2*10^24 atoms * (1 mol/6.022*10^23 atoms) = 7.0 mol sulfur. The molar mass of sulfur is 32.06 g/mol, which is found on the periodic table as sulfur’s (S) atomic weight. Use dimensional analysis again with the molar mass of sulfur as the conversion factor. 7.0 mol * 32.06 g/mol = 224.42 g sulfur. Since the problems gives us two significant figures, round the mass of sulfur to 220 grams, or 2.2 * 10^2 g.