How many atoms are in a 2.0 cm×2.0 cm×2.0 cm cube of aluminum?

Key Concepts

Atomic Structure

Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons. In a solid like aluminum, atoms are arranged in a closely packed structure, which influences the material's properties. Understanding atomic structure is essential for calculating the number of atoms in a given volume.

Density

Density is defined as mass per unit volume and is a critical property for determining how many atoms are present in a specific volume of material. For aluminum, the density is approximately 2.7 g/cm³. By knowing the density, one can calculate the mass of the aluminum cube and subsequently the number of atoms it contains.

Avogadro's Number

Avogadro's number, approximately 6.022 x 10²³, is the number of atoms or molecules in one mole of a substance. This concept is vital for converting the mass of aluminum into moles and then determining the total number of atoms. It provides a bridge between macroscopic measurements and atomic-scale quantities.