Avogadro’s number definition: Avogadro number is the number of molecules contained in one __________ of a gas (i.e., one chemical mole).

Chemical Engineering Stoichiometry Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Gram
  • B
    Kilogram
  • C
    Gram-mole (1 mol)
  • D
    Litre at any pressure
  • E
    Cubic metre at STP only

Answer

Correct Answer: Gram-mole (1 mol)

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Avogadro’s number NA is a cornerstone of chemistry and physics, linking macroscopic amounts to microscopic counts. It specifies how many discrete particles (molecules, atoms, ions) are present in exactly one mole of a substance, enabling conversions between mass, amount, and number of entities.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • One mole is the amount of substance containing exactly NA entities.
  • For gases, one mole occupies different volumes depending on T and P; the count does not change.
  • We seek the correct fill-in describing the basis amount.

Concept / Approach:By definition, Avogadro’s number is the number of specified particles in one mole, historically called one gram-mole for molecular substances (the mass in grams numerically equal to the molecular weight). Volume is not the defining criterion because gas volume varies with state; mass in kilograms is not the convention for defining a mole.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Recall: 1 mol contains NA ≈ 6.022 × 10^23 entities.Match the statement: 'in one gram-mole (1 mol)'.Eliminate answers tied to fixed volumes or arbitrary masses.Choose 'Gram-mole (1 mol)'.

Verification / Alternative check:The SI Brochure defines a mole by fixing NA to an exact value; the concept remains identical across phases.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Gram or kilogram: mass units, not amount-of-substance definitions.
  • Litre/cubic metre: volumes depend on T and P; not a universal mole definition.

Common Pitfalls:Equating the 'molar volume' at STP with the definition of a mole; confusing mass with amount of substance.

Final Answer:Gram-mole (1 mol)

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