At N.T.P., 11.2 litres of ozone (O3) are contained in a vessel. How many atoms of oxygen are present? (Use Avogadro’s number 6.02 × 10^23 and N.T.P. molar volume 22.4 L/mol.)

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 9.03 × 10^23

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Counting particles from gas volumes at standard conditions is a staple of stoichiometry. Here we translate a gas volume of ozone into a count of oxygen atoms, reinforcing the link between molar volume, moles of molecules, and constituent atoms.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • N.T.P. molar volume = 22.4 L per mole of ideal gas.
  • Avogadro’s number NA = 6.02 × 10^23 mol^−1.
  • Species: ozone, O3 (three oxygen atoms per molecule).


Concept / Approach:
First convert litres of gas at N.T.P. to moles of O3 using the molar volume. Then multiply by 3 to get moles of oxygen atoms, and finally multiply by Avogadro’s number to obtain the number of atoms.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Compute moles of O3: n_O3 = 11.2 L / 22.4 L·mol^−1 = 0.5 mol.Convert to moles of O atoms: n_O(atoms) = 3 * n_O3 = 3 * 0.5 = 1.5 mol.Compute number of atoms: N = 1.5 * 6.02 × 10^23 = 9.03 × 10^23 atoms.Match to the closest option: 9.03 × 10^23.


Verification / Alternative check:
Dimensional consistency: litres cancel, leaving moles and then atoms. The factor of 3 accounts for triatomic ozone.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 3.01 × 10^22: too small by a factor of 30.
  • 6.02 × 10^23: equals one mole of atoms; our sample has 1.5 moles of atoms.
  • 1.20 × 10^24: corresponds to 2 moles of atoms, not 1.5.
  • 9.03 × 10^24: an order of magnitude too large.


Common Pitfalls:
Accidentally treating ozone as diatomic oxygen or using the wrong molar volume (be consistent about N.T.P. vs S.T.P. definitions).


Final Answer:
9.03 × 10^23

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