Final answer:
To find the number of atoms of sulfur in a pound of pyrite, we need to calculate the molar mass of pyrite and convert the mass to moles. The molar ratio between sulfur and pyrite is 1:1, so the number of moles of sulfur is equal to the moles of pyrite. Finally, we use Avogadro's number to calculate the number of atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the number of atoms of sulfur in a pound of pyrite, we need to know the atomic mass of sulfur and the molar mass of pyrite. The atomic mass of sulfur is 32.1 g/mol. The molar mass of pyrite can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of sulfur and iron (Fe), which is 55.8 g/mol. Therefore, the molar mass of pyrite is 32.1 g/mol + 55.8 g/mol = 87.9 g/mol.
To convert the mass of pyrite (in pounds) to moles, we need to use the molar mass of pyrite. 1 pound is approximately 0.4536 kg. So, the number of moles of pyrite can be calculated as follows:
(0.4536 kg)/(87.9 g/mol) = 0.005167 mol
Since the molar ratio of sulfur to pyrite is 1:1, the number of moles of sulfur in a pound of pyrite is also 0.005167. One mole of a substance contains 6.02 x 10^23 particles, which includes atoms. Therefore, the number of atoms of sulfur in a pound of pyrite is:
0.005167 mol x (6.02 x 10^23 atoms/mol) = 3.11 x 10^21 atoms