Introduction
Potassium is a chemical element with the symbol K and atomic number 19. It is an alkali metal and is essential for many biological processes in the human body. In this article, we will discuss how to convert 7.1 grams of potassium to atoms.
The Molar Mass of Potassium
Before we can convert grams of potassium to atoms, we need to know the molar mass of potassium. The molar mass of potassium is 39.1 g/mol. This means that one mole of potassium weighs 39.1 grams.
Step 1: Convert Grams to Moles
To convert 7.1 grams of potassium to moles, we need to divide the mass by the molar mass. The calculation is as follows: 7.1 g ÷ 39.1 g/mol = 0.181 moles of potassium Therefore, 7.1 grams of potassium is equal to 0.181 moles of potassium.
Step 2: Calculate the Number of Atoms
To calculate the number of atoms in 0.181 moles of potassium, we need to use Avogadro’s number, which is 6.02 × 10²³. The calculation is as follows: 0.181 mol × 6.02 × 10²³ atoms/mol = 1.09 × 10²³ atoms of potassium Therefore, 7.1 grams of potassium is equal to 1.09 × 10²³ atoms of potassium.
Conclusion
In conclusion, converting grams of potassium to atoms involves two steps: converting grams to moles and calculating the number of atoms using Avogadro’s number. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily convert 7.1 grams of potassium to atoms.