College

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 solve the problem of finding the mass of [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex] atoms of potassium, we need to understand the concept of a mole in chemistry.

1. Understand Atomic Mass and Moles:
- The atomic mass of potassium is given as 39.1 grams. This number tells us that one mole of potassium atoms, which is [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex] atoms (Avogadro's number), has a mass of 39.1 grams.

2. Identify the Mass for One Mole:
- By definition, the atomic mass in grams of an element corresponds to the mass of one mole of its atoms. Therefore, for potassium, the mass of one mole (or [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex] atoms) is 39.1 grams.

3. Select the Correct Answer:
- Given the options, the correct answer that matches our understanding that the mass of [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex] atoms of potassium is the atomic mass in grams, is option B: [tex]\(39.1 \text{ g}\)[/tex].

So, the mass of [tex]\(6.02 \times 10^{23}\)[/tex] atoms of potassium is 39.1 g.