To determine the chemical symbol of the element, we need to find out which element has a molar mass that corresponds to the given sample mass and the number of atoms.
- Calculate the molar mass of the element:
The molar mass is the mass of one mole of atoms (in grams). We know that the sample contains 0.421 g of the element.
The number of moles (n) can be calculated using the formula: n = mass / molar mass.
Rearrange the formula to find the molar mass: molar mass = mass / n.
Plug in the values: molar mass = 0.421 g / (9.03 × 10^21 atoms).
Calculate the molar mass.
- Compare the molar mass to the periodic table to find the element with a molar mass closest to the calculated value.
The molar mass calculated in step 1 should give you a value close to the actual molar mass of the element. The element with the closest molar mass to your calculated value is likely to be the correct one. You can then identify the chemical symbol of the element.
Keep in mind that the molar mass of an element is approximately equal to the atomic mass (as found on the periodic table), but it may not be exactly the same due to the presence of isotopes with different masses.