Determining the Number of Moles in 60 Grams of Helium

Helium, a chemical element with the symbol He and atomic number 2, plays a significant role in various scientific and industrial applications. One common question in chemistry involves finding out the number of moles in a given mass of helium. In this article, we will explore how to calculate the number of moles in 60 grams of helium and understand the underlying concepts.

Understanding the Basics: Molar Mass and Atomic Mass

To calculate the number of moles, it is essential to understand the concept of molar mass and atomic mass. The molar mass of a substance is the mass of one mole of that substance, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). The atomic mass of an element is the mass of one atom of that element, typically expressed in atomic mass units (amu) or unified atomic mass units (u).

Calculating the Number of Moles in 60 Grams of Helium

Helium has an atomic mass of 4 u and a molar mass of 4 g/mol. Using this information, we can calculate the number of moles in 60 grams of helium using the following formula:

Formula

Number of moles mass (g) / molar mass (g/mol)

Given that the mass of helium is 60 grams and the molar mass is 4 g/mol, we can substitute these values into the formula:

Calculation

Number of moles 60 g / 4 g/mol 15 moles

Therefore, there are 15 moles of helium in 60 grams.

Applications and Further Information

The calculation of the number of moles is crucial in various scientific and industrial applications. Helium is commonly used in cryogenics, medical imaging, and leak detection due to its inert nature and monatomic form. Understanding the number of moles in a given mass of helium can provide insights into the amount of gas available for such applications.

Additional Facts About Helium

Helium is a noble gas and exists as monatomic particles, He. This means that helium atoms do not form chemical bonds with other atoms and thus have a zero bond order. The atomic structure of helium consists of 2 protons, 2 neutrons, and 2 electrons. The molecular mass of helium is 4 g/mol, which is why the calculation of moles in a given mass of helium is straightforward.

Conclusion

Determining the number of moles in a specific mass of helium involves a simple calculation using the molar mass of the element. In this case, 60 grams of helium contain 15 moles. This knowledge is essential for various scientific and industrial applications, ensuring the efficient use of this valuable and unique gas.