Copper atoms are heavier than magnesium atoms. So, although each atom of magnesium can produce one atom of copper, the masses won’t be the same. The ratio of the atomic weight of copper to the atomic weight of magnesium is about 2.61. Given this ratio and the initial mass of the magnesium strip (0.38 g) measured in task 1, part A, calculate the mass of copper that can be produced. Recall: Mg + Cu(NO3)2 → Cu + Mg(NO3)2

Explanation:

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In this case, considering the given chemical reaction and the mass of the magnesium strip, following the indications of the atomic weight ratio (2.61 g Cu/1 g Mg), and keeping in mind the 1:1 mole ratio one could compute the produced mass of copper as shown below:

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In part 1, the magnesium strip weighed 0.38g. If each copper atom is 2.61 times heavier than a magnesium atom, we can set up the equation:

The mass of the copper that can be produced is 0.99g.