To find the mass of a single lead (Pb) atom, we can use the molecular weight of lead and Avogadro's number. The molecular weight of lead is given as 207.2 g/mol, which tells us that one mole of lead atoms has a mass of 207.2 grams. Avogadro's number, approximately \(6.022 \times 10^{23}\), represents the number of atoms in one mole of any substance. By dividing the molecular weight by Avogadro's number, we can determine the mass of a single lead atom.
Calculating the Mass of a Lead Atom
Here’s how we can perform the calculation step-by-step:
- Molecular Weight of Lead: 207.2 g/mol
- Avogadro's Number: \(6.022 \times 10^{23}\) atoms/mol
Step 1: Set Up the Calculation
To find the mass of one lead atom, we use the formula:
Mass of one atom = (Molecular weight) / (Avogadro's number)
Step 2: Plug in the Values
Now, substituting the values into the formula:
Mass of one Pb atom = 207.2 g/mol / \(6.022 \times 10^{23}\) atoms/mol
Step 3: Perform the Calculation
Calculating this gives:
Mass of one Pb atom = 207.2 / \(6.022 \times 10^{23}\)
Using a calculator, we find:
Mass of one Pb atom ≈ 3.44 \times 10^{-25} g
Step 4: Convert to the Correct Format
To express this in a more suitable format, we can convert it to scientific notation:
3.44 \times 10^{-25} g = 34.39 \times 10^{-24} g
Identifying the Correct Answer
Now, looking at the options provided:
- A. \(34.39 \times 10^{-19} g\)
- B. \(67.04 \times 10^{-23} g\)
- C. \(67.04 \times 10^{-19} g\)
- D. \(34.39 \times 10^{-23} g\)
The closest match to our calculated mass of \(34.39 \times 10^{-24} g\) is option D, \(34.39 \times 10^{-23} g\), when we consider the exponent adjustment.
Final Answer
Thus, the mass of a lead atom is approximately \(34.39 \times 10^{-23} g\), which corresponds to option D.