Assume that the reaction was limited by the surface area of the nails, making Fe the limiting reactant. Based on the decrease in the mass of nails, calculate theoretical yield of copper.
2Fe+3CuCl2--->2FeCl2+3Cu
Solid CuCl2 is 2.03g
Fe before reaction reaction 2.0072g
Decrease in nail mass 0.32239
mass Fe used = 0.32239. Convert that to mols. mols Fe = g/atomic mass = ?
Using the coefficients in the balanced equation, convert mols Fe to mols Cu product. That's
?mols Fe x (3 mols Cu/2 mols Fe) - ?mols Fe x 3/2 = ?
Then convert mols Cu formed to grams. g Cu = mols Cu x atomic mass Cu. This is the theoretical yield.
To calculate the theoretical yield of copper (Cu), we first need to determine the moles of the limiting reactant, which in this case is iron (Fe).
1. Start by finding the molar mass of iron (Fe). The atomic mass of Fe is approximately 55.85 g/mol.
2. Determine the moles of iron (Fe) used in the reaction. To do this, divide the mass of the nails (given that they are made of iron) by the molar mass of iron.
3. Next, look at the balanced chemical equation: 2Fe + 3CuCl2 -> 2FeCl2 + 3Cu
The stoichiometric ratio between iron and copper is 2:3. This means that for every 2 moles of iron used in the reaction, 3 moles of copper are produced.
4. Use the stoichiometric ratio to calculate the moles of copper produced. Multiply the moles of iron calculated in step 2 by the ratio of moles of copper to moles of iron (3/2).
5. Finally, convert the moles of copper into grams by multiplying by the molar mass of copper (Cu), which is approximately 63.55 g/mol.
The resulting value will be the theoretical yield of copper in grams.