Number of Particles: Ne vs O - Is it the Same?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around whether 5 liters of Neon (Ne) contain the same number of particles as 5 liters of Oxygen (O), exploring concepts related to atomic composition and Avogadro's Law. The inquiry includes considerations of molecular weight and the nature of the particles being compared.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the assumption that 5 L of Ne and 5 L of O contain the same number of particles, citing differences in mass and molecular weight.
  • Another participant references Avogadro's Law, suggesting that if considering atoms, the number of particles would be the same, but notes the difference in particle count when accounting for isotopic composition.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether the discussion pertains to atomic Oxygen (O) or molecular Oxygen (O2), indicating a potential misunderstanding in the question's premise.
  • Another participant argues that if the question refers to atomic Oxygen, it would quickly convert to O2, thereby reducing the number of particles in the context of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of "particles" and whether the comparison is valid, indicating that multiple competing interpretations exist without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks clarity on the specific definition of "particles" being used, whether it refers to atoms or molecules, and the implications of isotopic differences. There are also unresolved assumptions regarding the state of Oxygen in the given scenario.

scientifico
Messages
181
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Do 5 L of Ne contain the same number of particles contained in 5 L of O ?

2. The attempt at a solution
The book say yes but I know that 5 L of Neon are 4.5 g and 5 L of Oxygen are 7.15 g.
So dividing them for their molecular weight I obtain 0.22 u and 0.44 u that aren't tha same :(
Where do I wrong?

Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What kind of particles? If you are referring to atoms, then, according to Avogadro's Law yes, it is true. But, if you consider 20Ne as the most abundant isotope being consisted of 10 protons, 10 electrons and 10 neutrons, then there are 30 particles per atom of neon, while if you consider 16O as the most abundant isotope of oxygen, then there are 8 protons, 8 electrons and 8 neutrons per atom, i.e. 24 particles per atom. So, in this sense, neon would have more particles in the same volume.
 
O or O2?
 
if would be O2 it's right to me but it says O
 
I don't like nonsensical questions. If it contains just O, in a blink it will contain O2, and the number of "particles" goes down by half.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
21K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
11K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
11K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
8K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K