In 2009, a team from Northwestern University and Western Washington University reported the preparation of a new 'spongy' material composed of nickel, molybdenum, and sulfur that excels at removing mercury from water. The density of this new material is 0.20 g/cm³, and its surface area is 1242 m² per gram of material. (b) Calculate the surface area for a 10.0-mg sample of this material.

Key Concepts

Surface Area to Mass Ratio

The surface area to mass ratio is a critical concept in material science, particularly for porous materials. It describes how much surface area is available per unit of mass, which can significantly influence the material's reactivity and absorption capabilities. In this case, the high surface area of the spongy material allows for more effective interaction with contaminants like mercury in water.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is essential in chemistry for ensuring that measurements are consistent and compatible. In this problem, converting the mass of the sample from milligrams to grams is necessary to align with the surface area measurement given in square meters per gram. Understanding how to convert between different units is fundamental for accurate calculations.

Calculation of Surface Area

Calculating the surface area of a sample involves multiplying the surface area per gram by the mass of the sample in grams. This straightforward mathematical operation allows us to determine how much surface area is available for interaction with substances in the environment, which is crucial for applications like water purification.