Representations of a mole (RAM 1 d.p.)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can accurately represent a set number of moles of various substances.
Key learning points
- Manipulating apparatus correctly ensures both accurate results and safety in the lab.
- Interconversion between units like grams, moles, volume, density & particles is fundamental in chemical calculations.
- Successful interconversion is only possible if the units match.
- Using the appropriate apparatus for a required measurement can help to reduce uncertainty.
Keywords
Mole - A mole of something is 6.02 × 10²³ of it. The mass of a mole of a substance is its relative mass expressed in grams.
Apparatus - is a piece of equipment that is designed for a particular use.
Interconversion - is the ability to change between two units of measurement
Accuracy - refers to how close a measured value is to the true or standard value.
Uncertainty - is the range of measurements within which the true value can be expected to be found. On apparatus, it is half the value of one resolution marking.
Common misconception
Pupils mistake that the same mass of different substances = the same number of particles.
This activity reinforces the mathematical relationship between relative formula mass of a substance, the number of particles present and the mass measured in the lab.
Teacher tip
Consider extending the lesson with added challenge - include gases in the presentation. Challenge pupils to justify their equipment choice and relate it to accuracy of their 'show'.
Equipment
balance, weigh boat or equivalent, spatula, measuring cylinders, dropping pipettes, syringes, water, ethanol, sodium chloride, zinc, sodium hydrogencarbonate, sulfur, beakers, boiling/test tubes
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a pure substance made of two or more elements chemically combined?
Q2.If an oxygen molecule consists of two oxygen atoms, what is its relative formula mass (Mr)?
Q3.Which of the following best describes a mole?
Q4.To convert 50 grams of water to moles of water (Mr of 18.0), you would:
Q5.What does the term "percent composition" refer to in chemistry?
Q6.Calculate the moles of methane (CH₄) in a sample of 55.2 grams. Give your answer to 2 significant figures.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does one mole of any substance contain?
Q2.Order the following steps in the process of converting grams to moles.
Q3.Why is it important to choose the appropriate apparatus for measurements in chemistry?
Q4.Which of the following best describes the term "accuracy"?
Q5.If the relative formula mass of sodium chloride (NaCl) is 58.5, what is the mass of 2 moles of NaCl? Give the answer to 3 significant figures.
Q6.Calculate the number of SO₄²⁻ ions in 34 g of Al₂(SO₄)₃. The answer is × 10²³. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Representations of a mole (RAM 1 d.p.), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Representations of a mole (RAM 1 d.p.), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Calculations involving masses unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.