17 October 2011
Posted in
Dr. Dare's Lab
What is a Mole?
A Mole can be a small insectivorous mammal of the Talipade Family, a machine used by miners to dig tunnels, a spy, a skin blemish, and even a sauce, but the Mole we are celebrating is a number called Avogadro’s Number (Not to be confused with the Avocado). Named after Italian Scientist Amedeo Avogadro, Avogadro’s number is the exact number of atoms found in 12 grams of Carbon 12.
Since atoms are so very, very tiny… this number is Astronomical. In fact if you had a Mole (Avogadro’s number) of Moles (cute mammal), you would have a fuzzy ball the size of the moon.
To be precise the number is:
Avogadro’s Number
One mole of any pure Element has a mass (in grams) equal to the atomic mass of the atom. For example, the Carbon molecule has an atomic mass of 12, therefore one mole of Carbon weighs 12 grams. In general, one mole of any substance contains Avogadro's Number of molecules or atoms of that substance. This relationship was first discovered by Amedeo Avogadro (1776-1858) and he received credit for this after his death.
Celebrated annually on October 23 from 6:02 a.m. to 6:02 p.m., Mole Day commemorates Avogadro's Number. Mole Day was created as a way to foster interest in chemistry around the world. Come visit us on Sunday, October 23 and help us Celebrate.
