Calculating the Number of Atoms in a 12 kg Cat

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To estimate the number of atoms in a 12 kg cat, one must first convert the mass into grams, resulting in 12,000 grams. Using the atomic masses of hydrogen (1 u), carbon (12 u), and oxygen (16 u), along with the conversion factor of 1 u = 1.66 x 10^-27 kg, the moles of each element can be calculated. Given that there are approximately 6.022 x 10^23 atoms in one mole, the total number of atoms can then be derived. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding molar mass and the composition of the cat, which is suggested to be primarily water. This approach provides a method to estimate the number of atoms in a large biological mass.
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I have to approximately figure out, to the nearest order of magnitude, how many moles of atoms there are in a 12 kg cat.You are also told that The masses of a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a carbon atom are 1.0 u, 16 u, and 12 u. .

all i know is that 1 u=1.66 x 10^-27 kg.
From here I am unsure where to go.
 
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There are 6.022 * 10^23 atoms in 1 mole.
Molar mass of hydrogen is around 1 g/mole...carbon is around 12 g/mole...and oxygen is about 16 g/mole...

You have 12,000 grams...you can find the moles and then thus find the atoms. :-D
 
GingerBread27 said:
I have to approximately figure out, to the nearest order of magnitude, how many moles of atoms there are in a 12 kg cat.You are also told that The masses of a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a carbon atom are 1.0 u, 16 u, and 12 u. .

all i know is that 1 u=1.66 x 10^-27 kg.
From here I am unsure where to go.

But this is a huge cat! :smile:
I would say that it mainly consists of water...

ehild
 

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