High School

Select the correct answer.

The atomic mass of potassium is 39.1. What is the mass of [tex]6.02 \times 10^{23}[/tex] atoms of potassium?

A. [tex]39.1 \, \text{mg}[/tex]
B. [tex]39.1 \, \text{g}[/tex]
C. [tex]39.1 \, \text{kg}[/tex]
D. [tex]6.02 \times 39.1 \, \text{mg}[/tex]
E. [tex]6.02 \times 39.1 \, \text{g}[/tex]

Answer :

To find the mass of [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex] atoms of potassium, we need to understand the relationship between atoms, atomic mass, and Avogadro's number.

1. Understand the Concept:
- Avogadro's number, [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex], is the number of atoms or molecules in one mole of a substance.
- The atomic mass of an element (like potassium) given in grams per mole represents the mass of one mole of atoms of that element.

2. Given Information:
- Atomic mass of potassium = 39.1 grams/mole (this means 1 mole of potassium atoms weighs 39.1 grams).
- Avogadro's number = [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex].

3. Calculate the Mass:
- Since [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex] atoms make up exactly one mole by definition, the mass of one mole (or [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex] atoms) of potassium is simply its atomic mass.

4. Result:
- Therefore, the mass of [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex] atoms of potassium is 39.1 grams.

So, the correct answer is:
B. [tex]\(39.1 \, g\)[/tex]