Comparing the Number of Ions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 44 views

Comparing Sodium Chloride and Aluminum Chloride: A Molar Mass Analysis

When comparing two substances, it's essential to consider their chemical properties and composition. In this article, we'll delve into the comparison of 1 mol of sodium chloride (NaCl) and 1 mol of aluminum chloride (AlCl3). We'll examine their molar masses, number of ions, and molecular composition to determine which option best compares these two substances.

Understanding Molar Mass

The molar mass of a substance is the mass of 1 mole of that substance, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It's a critical property that helps us understand the composition and behavior of a substance. Let's calculate the molar masses of sodium chloride and aluminum chloride.

Sodium chloride (NaCl) has a molar mass of 58.44 g/mol (23.0 g/mol for Na + 35.45 g/mol for Cl).
Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) has a molar mass of 133.34 g/mol (26.98 g/mol for Al + 3 * 35.45 g/mol for Cl).

Comparing Molar Masses

Now that we have the molar masses of both substances, let's compare them. Option A states that both substances have the same molar mass. However, as we've calculated, the molar mass of aluminum chloride (133.34 g/mol) is significantly higher than that of sodium chloride (58.44 g/mol). Therefore, option A is incorrect.

Number of Ions

Let's examine the number of ions in each substance. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound that consists of one sodium ion (Na+) and one chloride ion (Cl-). Aluminum chloride (AlCl3), on the other hand, is also an ionic compound that consists of one aluminum ion (Al3+) and three chloride ions (Cl-).

Sodium chloride (NaCl) has a total of 2 ions (1 Na+ and 1 Cl-).
Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) has a total of 4 ions (1 Al3+ and 3 Cl-).

Comparing the Number of Ions

Now that we've calculated the number of ions in each substance, let's compare them. Option B states that both substances have the same number of ions. However, as we've calculated, sodium chloride has 2 ions, while aluminum chloride has 4 ions. Therefore, option B is incorrect.

Molecular Composition

Let's examine the molecular composition of each substance. Sodium chloride (NaCl) has a molecular formula of NaCl, indicating that it consists of one sodium atom and one chlorine atom. Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) has a molecular formula of AlCl3, indicating that it consists of one aluminum atom and three chlorine atoms.

Sodium chloride (NaCl) has a molecular composition of 1 Na atom and 1 Cl atom.
Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) has a molecular composition of 1 Al atom and 3 Cl atoms.

Comparing Molecular Composition

Now that we've examined the molecular composition of each substance, let's compare them. Option C states that both substances are made up of $$6.02 \times 10^{23}$$ molecules. However, as we've calculated, sodium chloride has a molecular composition of 1 Na atom and 1 Cl atom, while aluminum chloride has a molecular composition of 1 Al atom and 3 Cl atoms. Therefore, option C is incorrect.

In conclusion, when comparing 1 mol of sodium chloride (NaCl) and 1 mol of aluminum chloride (AlCl3), we find that:

Both substances have different molar masses (58.44 g/mol for NaCl and 133.34 g/mol for AlCl3).
Both substances have different numbers of ions (2 ions for NaCl and 4 ions for AlCl3).
Both substances have different molecular compositions (1 Na atom and 1 Cl atom for NaCl, and 1 Al atom and 3 Cl atoms for AlCl3).

Therefore, none of the options provided accurately compare 1 mol of sodium chloride to 1 mol of aluminum chloride. However, if we had to choose an option that best compares these two substances, it would be option D, which states that both substances are made up of $$6.02 \times 10^{23}$$ molecules. This is because both substances are made up of a large number of molecules, but the number of molecules is not the same as the number of ions or the molar mass.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sodium Chloride and Aluminum Chloride

Q: What is the difference between sodium chloride and aluminum chloride?

A: Sodium chloride (NaCl) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) are both ionic compounds, but they have different chemical properties and compositions. Sodium chloride consists of one sodium ion and one chloride ion, while aluminum chloride consists of one aluminum ion and three chloride ions.

Q: What is the molar mass of sodium chloride?

A: The molar mass of sodium chloride (NaCl) is 58.44 g/mol.

Q: What is the molar mass of aluminum chloride?

A: The molar mass of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) is 133.34 g/mol.

Q: How many ions are in sodium chloride?

A: Sodium chloride (NaCl) has a total of 2 ions (1 Na+ and 1 Cl-).

Q: How many ions are in aluminum chloride?

A: Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) has a total of 4 ions (1 Al3+ and 3 Cl-).

Q: What is the molecular composition of sodium chloride?

A: The molecular composition of sodium chloride (NaCl) is 1 Na atom and 1 Cl atom.

Q: What is the molecular composition of aluminum chloride?

A: The molecular composition of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) is 1 Al atom and 3 Cl atoms.

Q: Why are sodium chloride and aluminum chloride different?

A: Sodium chloride and aluminum chloride are different because of their different chemical properties and compositions. Sodium chloride consists of one sodium ion and one chloride ion, while aluminum chloride consists of one aluminum ion and three chloride ions.

Q: Can I use sodium chloride and aluminum chloride interchangeably?

A: No, you should not use sodium chloride and aluminum chloride interchangeably. Each compound has its own unique properties and uses, and using them interchangeably could lead to incorrect results or even safety hazards.

Q: What are some common uses of sodium chloride?

A: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is commonly used as a seasoning, a preservative, and a component in various industrial processes.

Q: What are some common uses of aluminum chloride?

A: Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) is commonly used as a catalyst, a component in various industrial processes, and in the production of aluminum metal.

Q: Are sodium chloride and aluminum chloride safe to handle?

A: Both sodium chloride and aluminum chloride can be safe to handle if proper precautions are taken. However, aluminum chloride can be highly reactive and should be handled with caution.

Q: Can I store sodium chloride and aluminum chloride together?

A: No, it's not recommended to store sodium chloride and aluminum chloride together. Aluminum chloride can react with sodium chloride to form a compound that is not stable, which could lead to safety hazards.

Q: Where can I find more information about sodium chloride and aluminum chloride?

A: You can find more information about sodium chloride and aluminum chloride in various scientific resources, including textbooks, online databases, and scientific journals.