Osmium, recognized as one of the densest elements on Earth, has a mass of 190.23 grams. To convert this mass into atomic mass units (AMU), also known as Daltons, we can utilize dimensional analysis, a systematic method for converting units.
First, we need to convert grams to kilograms. The conversion factor for this step is:
1 kilogram = 1000 grams or 1 kg = 103 g.
By placing grams in the denominator and kilograms in the numerator, we can cancel out the grams, leaving us with kilograms.
Next, we apply the second conversion factor, which relates kilograms to AMU. The conversion factor states:
1 AMU = 1.66 × 10−27 kilograms.
Again, we place kilograms in the denominator and AMU in the numerator to cancel out the kilograms. This allows us to express the mass in AMU.
The calculation proceeds as follows:
First, convert grams to kilograms:
190.23 g × (1 kg / 1000 g) = 0.19023 kg.
Next, convert kilograms to AMU:
0.19023 kg × (1 AMU / 1.66 × 10−27 kg) = 1.15 × 1026 AMU.
Thus, the final result indicates that the mass of osmium in atomic mass units is approximately 1.15 × 1026 AMU or Daltons. This conversion process highlights the importance of dimensional analysis in chemistry, allowing for the accurate transformation of units through the use of conversion factors.
For further understanding, reviewing dimensional analysis techniques can enhance your proficiency in handling similar conversion problems.