Why is the mole used as a unit to measure quantities such as atoms in chemistry?

• A. Because the mole represents the average mass of an atom.
• B. Because the mole allows chemists to count large numbers of tiny particles using a manageable unit.
• C. Because the mole is the smallest possible unit for measuring mass.
• D. Because the mole is only used for measuring liquids.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms and molecules are extremely small and numerous, making it impractical to count them individually in a laboratory setting.
2. Recognize that the mole is a counting unit in chemistry, similar to how a dozen represents 12 items, but the mole represents \$6.022 \times 10^{23}$ particles (Avogadro's number).
3. Know that using the mole allows chemists to relate the microscopic scale (atoms, molecules) to the macroscopic scale (grams, liters) that we can measure in the lab.
4. Realize that the mole provides a manageable way to express amounts of substances, enabling calculations involving chemical reactions and stoichiometry.
5. Conclude that the mole is used because it allows chemists to count large numbers of tiny particles using a convenient and standardized unit.