We can be sure that a mole of table sugar and a mole of vitamin C are equal in their a. mass. b. volume. c. number of atoms. d. number of molecules.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a mole: A mole is a unit of measurement used in chemistry to express amounts of a chemical substance, defined as containing exactly 6.02214076 × 10^{23} particles, such as atoms, molecules, or ions.
2. Identify what is being compared: The problem compares a mole of table sugar (sucrose, C12H22O11) and a mole of vitamin C (ascorbic acid, C6H8O6).
3. Analyze the options: Option (a) mass - The mass of a mole of a substance depends on its molar mass, which varies between different substances. Option (b) volume - The volume occupied by a mole of substances can vary based on the density and molecular structure. Option (c) number of atoms - This varies as different molecules have different numbers and types of atoms. Option (d) number of molecules - A mole of any substance always contains the same number of molecules, 6.02214076 × 10^{23}.
4. Compare the number of molecules: Since both table sugar and vitamin C are being measured per mole, they both contain exactly the same number of molecules, which is Avogadro's number, 6.02214076 × 10^{23}.

Key Concepts

Mole Concept

The mole is a fundamental unit in chemistry that represents a specific quantity of particles, typically atoms or molecules. One mole of any substance contains approximately 6.022 x 10^23 entities, known as Avogadro's number. This concept allows chemists to count particles by weighing them, making it essential for stoichiometry and chemical reactions.

Molar Mass

Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It varies between different substances due to differences in atomic composition. For example, table sugar (sucrose) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) have distinct molar masses, which means that a mole of each will have different masses despite containing the same number of molecules.

Chemical Composition

Chemical composition refers to the types and numbers of atoms that make up a molecule. While a mole of table sugar and a mole of vitamin C both contain the same number of molecules (Avogadro's number), the number of atoms within those molecules differs. Understanding the molecular structure is crucial for grasping how substances interact and their respective properties.