Diameter of an atom from density

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the diameter of a copper atom using its density, mass number, and atomic number. Participants confirm that the mass of a copper atom can be approximated using its mass number of 63.55, and emphasize the importance of using mass rather than weight in calculations. The method proposed involves using the density of copper (8930 kg/m³) to derive the volume and subsequently estimate the diameter of the atom through the formula for the volume of a sphere, (4/3)(pi)r³.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure, specifically mass number and atomic number.
  • Familiarity with density calculations and units (kg/m³).
  • Knowledge of the formula for the volume of a sphere, (4/3)(pi)r³.
  • Basic principles of mass versus weight in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate atomic mass from individual nucleon masses.
  • Study the relationship between density, mass, and volume in physical chemistry.
  • Explore advanced methods for estimating atomic dimensions using quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate the implications of mass-energy equivalence in atomic physics.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or chemistry, educators teaching atomic structure, and anyone interested in the physical properties of elements, particularly in relation to atomic dimensions and density calculations.

ombudsmansect
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Homework Statement



1 The density of copper is 8930 kg m-3, its mass number is 63.55 and its atomic number is 29.
a) Calculate the mass of a copper atom in kg.
b) How may electrons and protons does a copper atom have?
c) Estimate the diameter of a copper atom from this data.


Homework Equations



(4/3)(pi)r^3

The Attempt at a Solution



Just need to confirm that when calculating the mass in part a) i can just use its mass number or should i add up the individual mass of nucleons. i know that this will eb more than the atomic mass here but does that energy have weight or not? I am uncertain as to wether energy formed from mass has weight or what.

The main issue though is part c) i just figure that i will use the weight from a) to find a volume using the density and hence calculate the diameter tho this is rather crude, any other way of doing this i don't know about? all help greatly appreciated thanks guys :D
 
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ombudsmansect said:
Just need to confirm that when calculating the mass in part a) i can just use its mass number

Yes, you can.

ombudsmansect said:
The main issue though is part c) i just figure that i will use the weight from a) to find a volume using the density and hence calculate the diameter

It is not weight but mass, but the method you outlined should be all right.

ehild
 

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