A catalytic converter combines 2.55 g CO with excess O2. What mass of CO2 forms?
To find the mass of CO2 formed when 2.55 g of CO reacts with excess O2, we need to determine the balanced chemical equation for the reaction and use stoichiometry.
The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of CO is:
2CO + O2 -> 2CO2
From the equation, we can see that 2 moles of CO react to form 2 moles of CO2. Therefore, to determine the mass of CO2 formed, we need to calculate the number of moles of CO, convert it to moles of CO2, and then convert it back to grams.
1. Determine the molar mass of CO (carbon monoxide):
The molar mass of C is 12.01 g/mol, and of O is 16.00 g/mol.
So, the molar mass of CO = 12.01 g/mol + 16.00 g/mol = 28.01 g/mol.
2. Calculate the number of moles of CO:
Number of moles = Mass / Molar mass
Moles of CO = 2.55 g / 28.01 g/mol = 0.091 mol CO
3. Use stoichiometry to convert moles of CO to moles of CO2:
From the balanced equation, we know that 2 moles of CO react to form 2 moles of CO2.
Moles of CO2 = 0.091 mol CO * (2 mol CO2 / 2 mol CO) = 0.091 mol CO2
4. Convert moles of CO2 to grams:
Mass = Moles * Molar mass
Mass of CO2 = 0.091 mol CO2 * 44.01 g/mol = 3.999 g CO2
Therefore, the mass of CO2 formed when 2.55 g of CO reacts with excess O2 is approximately 3.999 g.