Avogadro's constant: Difference between revisions
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The SI definition of '''Avogadro's constant''' (designated N<sub>A</sub>) is: the number of entities (such as atoms, ions, or molecules) per mole. (This definition requires a definition of mole that does not rely on N<sub>A</sub>, but one that is in terms of 12C atoms). In this definition NA has dimension mol−1. The numeric value of Avogadro's constant is NA = 6.022 141 79 x 1023 mol−1. | |||
Because the mole and Avogadro's number are defined in terms of the atomic mass constant (one twelfth of the mass of a 12C atom), Avogadro's constant and number have by definition the same numerical value. In practice the two terms are used interchangeably. | |||
Revision as of 10:05, 24 June 2009
The SI definition of Avogadro's constant (designated NA) is: the number of entities (such as atoms, ions, or molecules) per mole. (This definition requires a definition of mole that does not rely on NA, but one that is in terms of 12C atoms). In this definition NA has dimension mol−1. The numeric value of Avogadro's constant is NA = 6.022 141 79 x 1023 mol−1.
Because the mole and Avogadro's number are defined in terms of the atomic mass constant (one twelfth of the mass of a 12C atom), Avogadro's constant and number have by definition the same numerical value. In practice the two terms are used interchangeably.