Introduction to the Mole
Introduction to the Mole
Objectives
In this lesson, students learn why and how the mole is used in chemistry. Students will:
- calculate the formula weights of various compounds.
- apply the mole concept to representative particles by determining the mass of atoms, molecules, ions, and formula units.
- perform mass-mole conversions.
- conduct a laboratory activity to calculate and determine if a mole of pennies would fit inside the classroom.
Essential Questions
Vocabulary
- Atomic Mass: The mass in atomic mass units (amu) of one mole of a substance.
- Conversion Factor: A ratio equal to one that expresses the same quantity in two different ways.
- Formula Unit: The representative particle of an ionic compound.
- Formula Weight: The weight of a molecular compound or an ionic compound.
- Gram-mole: The mass of one mole, or 6.02 × 1023 particles, expressed in grams.
- Mole: The quantity of a substance that has a weight, measured in grams, that is numerically equal to the molecular weight of that substance. Expressed as 6.02 × 1023 particles (Avogadro’s number); mol is used in equations, mole is used in writing.
- Molar Mass: The sum of all the atomic masses in a molecule or compound; the mass in grams of one mole of a substance.
- Representative Particles: The atoms, molecules, ions, or formula units present in a substance.
Duration
90 minutes/2 class periods
Prerequisite Skills
Prerequisite Skills haven't been entered into the lesson plan.
Materials
- Periodic Table of the Elements (S-C-8_Periodic Table.pdf)
- How Big Is a Mole, available at www.slideshare.net/vmizner/how-big-is-a-mole
- computer with Internet access and projector
- Just How Big Is a Mole? (S-C-8-1_Just How Big Is a Mole.doc)
- The Mole PowerPoint Presentation (S-C-8-1_The Mole PowerPoint Presentation.pptx)
- Comparing Sugar and Water (S-C-8-1_Comparing Sugar and Water and KEY.doc)
- Mole Concepts worksheet (S-C-8-1_Mole Concepts Worksheet and KEY.doc)
- Mass-Mole Conversions worksheet (S-C-8-1_Mass-Mole Conversions Worksheet and KEY.doc)
- Lab: Would a Mole of Pennies Fit Inside Our Classroom? (S-C-8-1_A Mole of Pennies Lab and KEY.doc)
- A Mole Is a Unit song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R7NiIum2TI (optional)
Related Unit and Lesson Plans
Related Materials & Resources
The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.
- How Big Is a Mole?
www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/10/how-big-is-a-mole/
- The World of Chemistry (video on the mole concept)
www.learner.org/vod/vod_window.html?pid=803
- Mole Song (“A Mole is a Unit”)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R7NiIum2TI
- Happy Mole Day to You Song
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=41557
- Table of Atomic Weights (in alphabetical order and in order of atomic number)
www.medicinescomplete.com/mc/merck/2010/AtomicWeights.pdf
- The Mole Concept (Avogadro’s Number)
www.iun.edu/~cpanhd/C101webnotes/quantchem/moleavo.html
- Mole Toons (mole cartoons)
Formative Assessment
Suggested Instructional Supports
Instructional Procedures
Related Instructional Videos
Note: Video playback may not work on all devices.
Instructional videos haven't been assigned to the lesson plan.
DRAFT 06/01/2011