How Many Oxygen Molecules Are in One Cubic Centimeter at STP?

AI Thread Summary
At standard temperature and pressure, the density of oxygen is 1.43 kg/m³, and its molecular mass is 32 u. To find the number of molecules in one cubic centimeter, the calculation involves using the formula n = pV/m, where p is density, V is volume, and m is molecular mass. The discussion highlights confusion around the atomic mass unit (u) and emphasizes the need to convert units appropriately. Ultimately, the correct approach leads to determining that there are approximately 2.69 x 10^25 molecules in one cubic meter, which can be converted to the desired volume in cubic centimeters. Understanding these calculations is essential for solving related physics problems.
dnl65078
Messages
14
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



At standard temperature and pressure (273 K and 1 atmosphere), oxygen has a mass density () of 1.43 kg/m3. The molecular mass (m) of oxygen is 32 u. Calculate the number (n) of molecules in one cm3 of oxygen. (Round to three significant figures.)



Homework Equations



R = 8.31 J/molK
kB = 1.38times10^-23 J/K


3.

I thought I had to use the following formula.. n=p(density not pressure)V/m.. When i put it in. it didnt get the right answer

PLEASE HELP
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have 1.43 kg of oxygen molecules and each molecule weighs 32 u. How many molecules do you have?

There are this many molecules in 1 m^3.
 
Welcome to PF.

YOu need to show your calculation steps explicitly so that we can try to figure out where you went wrong.
 
Do I have to convert u into kg??
 
the "u" is what's throwing me off. I've never seen that before
 
You don't have to, but I'm curious about how you're going to divide if you don't.

"u" is the atomic mass unit. Use the Internet and check it up!
 
dnl65078 said:
the "u" is what's throwing me off. I've never seen that before

Why would your teacher ask you question about something that he hadn't taught or defined in class? It stands to reason that you are supposed to know what it means.

Start here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_mass

read the first paragraph until you get to "unified atomic mass unit", which should be a hyperlink. Then you can clink on that link to find out what it is.
 
cepheid said:
Why would your teacher ask you question about something that he hadn't taught or defined in class? It stands to reason that you are supposed to know what it means.

Hey I'm right there with you. He doesn't do anything. but give me a sec.
 
Do i have... 2.69x10^25 molecules??

Sorry I'm a total physics idiot.
 
  • #10
dnl65078 said:
Do i have... 2.69x10^25 molecules??

Sorry I'm a total physics idiot.

I thought you already knew what the right answer was? (Otherwise, in your first post, how would you have known that your first attempt was wrong?)
 
  • #11
I am using webassign so when I input the wrong answer it tells me so.
 
  • #12
In one m^3, yes, but the question wants the answer in cm^3.
 
  • #13
So i multiply that answer by 1x10^-6 and that should give me the right answer ?
 
  • #14
yes, that's right
 
Back
Top