Determination of Avogadro's Number using Graphite

In this exercise, we will use real experimental data to determine the value of 4 physical attributes of carbon in a piece of graphite.

The results will then be used to obtain an estimate for the value of Avogadro's Number.

The procedure is as follows:

• Obtain the average atomic mass of carbon atoms.
• Determine the lattice parameters and volume for the unit cell of a graphite crystal.
• Determine the number of carbon atoms within the unit cell of a graphite crystal.
• Obtain the experimental mass density of graphite.
• Estimate the value of Avogadro's Number using the above results:

(a)  average atomic mass of carbon atoms.
(b)  volume of the graphite unit cell.
(c)  number of carbon atoms within the graphite unit cell.
(d)  mass density for a piece of graphite.