I don't understand what exactly a mole is, could you please explain it to me?

Basicallly a mole refers to a number, in the same way as a dozen also refers to a number, this number being 12. Except instead of 12, the word mole refers to the number of 6 x 1023, which is basically a 6 followed by 23 zeros. Therefore, in the same way as that you can have a dozen pears or apples, you can also have a mole of pears or apples (i.e.  6 x 1023 pears or apples). In this way the word mole just means a specific number of things. 

AP
Answered by Andrea P. Chemistry tutor

4417 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Balance the following equation for the formation of magnesium chloride: Mg + HCl --> MgCl2 + H


What mass of CO2 will be produced when 50 g of CaCO3 decomposes?


What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?


Explain how the differences in structure between Diamond and Graphite give rise to their different properties


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning