The focused research question for this practical investigation is: How many carbon…
CHEMISTRY · Subjective · AP · Chemistry · Atomic Structure and Properties · Atomic Structure and Properties
Problem
The focused research question for this practical investigation is: How many carbon atoms are there in your pencil signature on a piece of paper? Plan, carry out and evaluate a methodology based on mass measurements. Guidance: You will need access to an analytical electronic balance with high sensitivity. Find out how pencils are classified into different grades using the letters H and B, and choose a pencil that has the highest percentage of carbon in the form of graphite. It will take a large number of signatures on a single sheet of paper to get a measurable change in mass. Use the concept of ratios to scale down 12.01g mol−1, the molar mass of carbon, and 6.02×1023mol−1 to the mass of a single signature.