One mole of copper (Cu) weighs approximately 63.55 grams. This value is derived from the atomic weight of copper, which is 63.55 atomic mass units (amu). The atomic weight of an element, as listed on the periodic table, tells us the mass of one mole of that element in grams.
To understand this better, let’s break it down:
- Atomic Weight: The atomic weight of copper is 63.55 amu. This means that a single atom of copper has a mass of 63.55 atomic mass units.
- Mole Concept: A mole is a unit of measurement used in chemistry to express amounts of a chemical substance. One mole of any substance contains exactly 6.022 × 10²³ particles (Avogadro’s number).
- Molar Mass: The molar mass of an element is the mass of one mole of that element. For copper, the molar mass is 63.55 grams per mole (g/mol).
Therefore, if you have 1 mole of copper, you have 63.55 grams of copper. This relationship is crucial for various chemical calculations, including stoichiometry and converting between mass and moles in chemical reactions.