What is a Conversion Factor?
A conversion factor is a ratio used to convert between different units of measurement. In the context of moles, a conversion factor allows us to convert from grams to moles and vice versa. It is derived from the molar mass of a substance, which is the mass of one mole of that substance.
Step-by-Step Calculation
To determine the equivalent number of moles for 100g of nickel, we need to follow these steps:
- Obtain the molar mass of nickel: The molar mass of an element is found on the periodic table. In the case of nickel (Ni), its molar mass is approximately 58.6934 g/mol.
- Set up the conversion factor: The conversion factor is derived from the molar mass. In this case, the conversion factor is 1 mol Ni / 58.6934 g Ni.
- Calculate the equivalent moles: To convert from grams to moles, divide the given mass (100g) by the molar mass of nickel. The equation becomes: moles Ni = (100g Ni) x (1 mol Ni / 58.6934 g Ni).
- Evaluate the equation: Plugging in the values, we get: moles Ni = (100g Ni) x (1 mol Ni / 58.6934 g Ni) ≈ 1.703 moles Ni.
The Result: Equivalent Moles of Nickel
Based on the calculation, 100g of nickel is approximately equivalent to 1.703 moles of nickel. This conversion factor allows us to interchange between mass and moles for nickel, providing us with a better understanding of its quantity.
Why is the Conversion Factor Important?
The conversion factor is crucial for performing various calculations in chemistry. It enables us to convert between mass and moles, which is vital for stoichiometric calculations, determining reactant and product quantities, and balancing chemical equations.
Understanding the conversion factor and how to determine the equivalent number of moles for a given mass of a substance is essential for chemists. In the case of nickel, using the molar mass and following a straightforward calculation process, we have found that 100g of nickel is equivalent to approximately 1.703 moles. This knowledge can be extremely beneficial in various chemical applications and calculations.
So, the next time you encounter a question related to the conversion factor and moles, feel confident in applying the steps outlined in this blog post to calculate the equivalent number of moles for any substance!