Because atoms are so tiny, there's a whole set of math terms set
up so we can measure these elements. But don't panic—even though
it may seem like a completely different language, it's not all
that distinct from your everyday math.
The most important equation to be familiar with is Avagradro's
number—6.02 x 1023. This number
makes up a mole of any given atom. Why use this
multiplier? Simply because atoms are so small that we need a
common equation that will allow us to measure them in a
meaningful way. All particles, multiplied by Avagradro's number,
will occupy 22.4L of ideal gas volume at Standard Temperature
and Pressure.
From this mole concept, we get a particular "atomic math",
stoichiometry—the study of quantitative relationships implied by
chemical equations. Pretty much, stoichiometry solves chemical
problems and relationships through math, and especially uses the
mole concept that we described above.
Now you try it...
