Calculate the number of aluminium ions present in 0.051 g of aluminium oxide. (Hint. The mass of an ion is the same as that of an atom of the same element. Atomic mass of Al = 27 u)
In order to solve this problem, first of all we have to find out the mass of aluminium atoms in 0.051 g of aluminium oxide (which will give us the mass of aluminium ions) This can be done as follows:
1 mole of Al2O3 = Formula mass of Al2O3 in grams
= Mass of Al × 2 + Mass of O × 3
= 27 × 2 + 16 × 3
= 54 + 48
= 102 grams
Now, 1 mole of Al2O3 contains 2 moles of Al.
So, Mass of Al in 1 mole of Al2O3 = Mass of Al × 2
= 27 × 2
= 54 grams
Now, 102 g aluminium oxide contains = 54 g Al
So, 0.051 g aluminium oxide contains = 54/102 × 0.051 g Al
= 0.027 g Al
The atomic mass of aluminium is given to be 27 u. This means that 1 mole of aluminium atoms (or aluminium ions) has a mass of 27 grams, and it contains 6.022 × 1023 aluminium ions.
Now, 27 g of aluminium has ions = 6.022 × 1023
So, 0.027 g of aluminium has ions = 6.022 × 1023/27 × 0.027
= 6.022 × 1020
Thus, the number of aluminium ions (Al3+) in 0.051 gram of aluminium oxide is 6.022 × 1020.