Help with Calculating Moles of Atoms in Chemistry Lab

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding a chemistry lab question regarding the calculation of moles of atoms of magnesium ribbon used. Participants explore the interpretation of the question, the necessary calculations, and the implications of different forms of magnesium in the context of the lab exercise.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over the phrase "moles of atoms" and questions what the lab question is specifically asking.
  • Another participant suggests that the question may be ambiguous and recommends listing both the number of moles and the number of atoms as a precaution.
  • A different participant emphasizes that the key aspect is calculating the number of moles of magnesium, regardless of its physical form, and notes the importance of additional context from the lab exercise.
  • One participant points out the distinction between calculating moles of atoms versus moles of molecules, indicating that while this distinction may not always be necessary, it can be relevant in certain cases.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of the question, with some expressing uncertainty about the terminology used and others suggesting different approaches to the calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of specific details about the lab exercise, such as the amount of magnesium used or the conditions under which it was used, which may affect the calculations.

jbaybay94
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Okay, so I have a quick question about a problem in my lab. The question is:

Calculate the number or moles of atoms of magnesium ribbon used.

Now there is just too many "of"s in that sentence for me.

Now this maybe a stupid question, but what is the question asking exactly? What do I have to do? Am I just looking for moles? What does "moles of atoms" mean.

Oh and I know how to do all the conversions and stuff I just don't understand what the question is asking!

YOUR HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!


THIS IS ALSO DUE TOMORROW SO HELP QUICK!

Do you just find the moles (grams x mol/molar mass) and then when you get the number of moles convert it to atoms ( times 6.02 x 10^23)?
 
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Don't feel alone, question seems to be ambiguous. List both number of moles and number of atoms, just in case.
 
All the information you need is or would be readily available. Don't worry too much about the "ribbon" physical form of the Magnesium. What was important is that a precise amount of Magnesium was used (in your lab exercise). The question, "Calculate the number or moles of atoms of magnesium ribbon used", really asks you to calculate the number of moles of Magnesium.

Other information comes from your exercise and lab activity which you did not share in your posting. Did you burn Magnesium? With what? Did you dissolve a magnesium ribbon? In what kind of solution?
 
On the second thought - there is a difference between "number of moles of atoms of oxygen in 16g" and "number of moles of molecules of oxygen in 16g", so while in most cases this additional information is not necessary, sometimes it is perfectly in place.
 

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