Experimental teaching of the Avogadro constant

Abstract

Although Avogadro’s number is a fundamental concept in chemistry, it is often overlooked in secondary education textbooks in Greece. Students are taught about mol, the number Avogadro, the molar volumes, and the equation of the state of gases. However, in no case is a detailed examination held about the importance of this number and the connection of macroscopic and microscopic quantities through the Avogardo constant. Also, the references related to the topic fail to raise students’ awareness of the atomic and molecular structure and the procedure with which the matter becomes quantic. Furthermore, the experimental approach is non-existent. To address these shortcomings, this project proposes a new and straightforward experimental method for students to determine the value of Avogadro’s number. The carefully designed experimental procedure can be completed within one teaching hour, encouraging active student participation. More importantly, the proposed experimental setup does not require sophisticated instruments and poses no risks, making it feasible for students to conduct it themselves.