Question

Which of the following correctly compares the number of atoms in 1 gram sample of platinum to the number of atoms in a 1 gram sample of mercury?

(A) The number of atoms in a 1 gram sample any element is the same
(B) The sample of platinum contains more atoms because atoms of platinum weigh less than atoms of mercury
(C) The sample of mercury contains more atoms because atoms mercury weigh more than atoms of mercury
(D) The sample of platinum contains more atoms because solids are more dense than liquids
(E) The sample of mercury contains more atoms because liquids are less dense than solids

Answer 1

The number of atoms in a 1 gram sample of any element is the same.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is (A) The number of atoms in a 1 gram sample of any element is the same.

Avogadro's number is a fundamental constant in chemistry that represents the number of particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) in one mole of a substance, which is approximately 6.022 × 1023 particles. Therefore, regardless of the element, one mole of any substance will contain the same number of atoms.

In this case, both platinum and mercury have a molar mass of approximately 200 grams per mole. Since the question compares 1 gram samples of both elements, they will both contain the same number of atoms.