Calculating Moles of Fe in 400.0g of Iron

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the number of moles and atoms of iron (Fe) in a given mass of 400.0 grams. Participants explore the methodology for determining moles, significant figures, and the implications of atomic weight in the calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant attempts to calculate moles using the formula 400/55.8 but questions the validity of their result, suggesting confusion about the calculation process.
  • Another participant agrees with the method used but questions the reasoning behind the assertion that the answer is incorrect, suggesting that the phrasing of the question may be contributing to the confusion.
  • Concerns are raised regarding significant figures, with one participant suggesting that the answer should reflect the four significant digits of the original mass.
  • Another participant proposes that using a more accurate atomic weight of iron might yield a different result.
  • A later reply indicates that a more specific atomic weight was used, leading to a correct answer, and mentions the use of Avogadro's number to find the number of atoms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of the initial calculation and the impact of significant figures. There is no consensus on the exact reason for the initial error, as multiple factors are suggested, including atomic weight and question phrasing.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings regarding significant figures and the specific atomic weight of iron used in calculations. The phrasing of the question may also introduce ambiguity.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students working on chemistry problems related to stoichiometry, particularly those involving calculations of moles and significant figures.

name_ask17
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Homework Statement



How many Fe atoms and how many moles of Fe atoms are in 400.0 g of iron?



The Attempt at a Solution



Ok. i attempted to find the number of moles by using 400/55.8 to get 7.17 but that is wrong?! please tell me ehy this is wrong. i set up a proportion like this 55.8g Fe = 1 mol
all over 400.0 grams =x and i solved for that x. i know its wrong, but why?
 
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name_ask17 said:
Ok. i attempted to find the number of moles by using 400/55.8 to get 7.17 but that is wrong?! please tell me ehy this is wrong. i set up a proportion like this 55.8g Fe = 1 mol
all over 400.0 grams =x and i solved for that x. i know its wrong, but why?
Beats me. I would have said that's exactly what you're supposed to do. How do you know it's wrong? Were you given a different number as the solution?

By the way, the phrasing "How many moles of Fe atoms..." is peculiar. Normally one just asks "How many moles of Fe..." If you answer is wrong, then perhaps it is because your prof is making some unusual subtle distinction by including the word "atoms" in the second part of the question.
 


Perhaps your answer is not being counted as correct because 400.0g has four significant digits, and your answer should have four significant figures as well.
 


well i know its wrong because my online homework is marking it wrong. I am really confused because i even tried changing the number to 4 sigfigs instead of 3 but it was wrong again. What am i doing wrong?!
 


name_ask17 said:
well i know its wrong because my online homework is marking it wrong. I am really confused because i even tried changing the number to 4 sigfigs instead of 3 but it was wrong again. What am i doing wrong?!
Maybe you should try a more accurate number for the atomic weight of iron. Also, what about the number of atoms question?
 


you are right! thank you. i used a more specific number and i got the correct answer. and i just multuplied by avagadros number for atoms. thanks for all your help, everyone.
 


thanks!
 

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