Computer Speed and Avogadro's Number

Paul S. Poskozim
Department of Chemistry, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL 60625-4699
J. Chem. Educ., 2008, 85 (5), p 634
DOI: 10.1021/ed085p634.1
Publication Date (Web): May 1, 2008

Abstract

Over the past 21 years, the calculation speeds of computers have increased at the average rate of about 2000 times a year. Said another way, a job taking one second today would have required about 12.5 hours in 1986. Nevertheless, it would still take the newest, linked, super computer over 43 years of continuous running to perform Avogadro's number of calculations.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

History / Philosophy

Keywords (Feature):

Letters

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Communication / Writing

Tools

SciFinder Links

SciFinder subscribers:  Click to sign in | Not a SciFinder subscriber? Learn more at www.cas.org

Explore by:


History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

Recommend & Share

  • Share on ACS NetworkACS Network
  • Add to FacebookFacebook
  • Tweet ThisTweet This
  • Add to CiteULikeCiteULike
  • Add to NewsvineNewsvine
  • Digg ThisDigg This
  • Add to DeliciousDelicious

Related Content

See also: