Question

How does the mole relate to molecules and ions?

Answer 1

Well, we say that the mole of a substance is equal to `6.02*10^23` of that substance.

Explanation:

Scientifically speaking, the mole is equal to the number of atoms in exactly `12 \ "g"` of `""^12C`, that is carbon-`12`. In chemistry, this is often denoted by a simple `n`.

It is found that approximately `6.02*10^23` atoms of carbon-`12` will weigh all together `12 \ "g"`.

So, we say that the mole of something is equal to around `6.02*10^23` of that something, and that's a lot!

Anyways, scientists will often use moles to calculate stoichiometric reactions, in which we can find limiting reactants and percentage yields for example.

For more history, check out:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mole_(unit)