Question

A mole of atoms is 6.02*10 ²³ atoms. To the nearest order of magnitude, how many moles of atoms are in a large domestic cat ? The masses of a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom and a carbon atom are 1u( atomic mass unit/ unified mass ), 16u and 12u respectively. ( hint: cats are sometimes known to kill a mole )

Answer 1

First one need to make certain assumption to solve this particular question.

Assumption-I
Consider the weight of the cat = 6 kg = 6000 g

Assumption-II
Estimated composition of the cat
65% C
18.5% O
9.5% H

Formula weight in grams or molecular weight
= 0.65 x12 + 0.185 x32 + 0.095 x 1
= 13.8 g/mole

Average cat should contain
= Assumed weight / Formula weight
= 6000 g /13.8 g
= 434 moles of atoms