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Ch.3 - Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry
Chapter 3, Problem 41

A sample of glucose, C6H12O6, contains 1.250 * 10^21 carbon atoms. (a) How many atoms of hydrogen does it contain? (b) How many molecules of glucose does it contain?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular formula of glucose, which is C6H12O6. This indicates that each molecule of glucose contains 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms.
To find the number of hydrogen atoms, use the ratio of hydrogen to carbon atoms in a glucose molecule. Since there are 12 hydrogen atoms for every 6 carbon atoms, the ratio is 12:6 or 2:1.
Calculate the number of hydrogen atoms by multiplying the number of carbon atoms by the ratio of hydrogen to carbon atoms. Use the given number of carbon atoms, 1.250 × 1021, and multiply by 2 to find the number of hydrogen atoms.
To find the number of glucose molecules, use the fact that each glucose molecule contains 6 carbon atoms. Divide the total number of carbon atoms, 1.250 × 1021, by 6 to determine the number of glucose molecules.
Ensure that all calculations are consistent with the units and significant figures provided in the problem statement, and verify the logic of each step to ensure accuracy.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Molecular Composition

Glucose (C6H12O6) is a molecular compound composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms. The subscripts in its chemical formula indicate that each molecule of glucose contains 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. Understanding this composition is essential for determining the number of hydrogen atoms based on the number of carbon atoms present.
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Avogadro's Number

Avogadro's number, approximately 6.022 x 10^23, is the number of atoms, ions, or molecules in one mole of a substance. This concept is crucial for converting between the number of molecules and the number of atoms. In this question, it will help in calculating how many molecules of glucose correspond to the given number of carbon atoms.
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Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the area of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between the substances involved in chemical reactions. It allows us to use the ratios of atoms and molecules in a compound to calculate the amounts of different elements. In this case, stoichiometry will be used to find the number of hydrogen atoms and glucose molecules based on the known quantity of carbon atoms.
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