3. What ratio of nitrogen and hydrogen molecules would result in no left-over reactants? Explain your answer.
To determine the ratio of nitrogen and hydrogen molecules that would result in no leftover reactants, we need to understand the concept of balanced chemical equations and mole ratios.
1. Write the balanced chemical equation:
The reaction between nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) to form ammonia (NH3) can be represented by the following balanced chemical equation:
N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3
This equation tells us that for every 1 molecule of nitrogen gas (N2), we need 3 molecules of hydrogen gas (H2) to completely react and form 2 molecules of ammonia (NH3).
2. Calculate the moles of nitrogen and hydrogen:
To determine the ratio, we need to compare the number of moles of nitrogen and hydrogen. To do this, we need to know the molar masses of nitrogen and hydrogen.
The molar mass of nitrogen (N2) is approximately 28 grams/mole.
The molar mass of hydrogen (H2) is approximately 2 grams/mole.
Let's assume we have x moles of nitrogen and y moles of hydrogen.
Thus, the moles of nitrogen present would be x moles and the moles of hydrogen present would be y moles.
3. Determine the mole ratio:
Based on the balanced chemical equation, we know that the ratio of nitrogen to hydrogen is 1:3. In other words, for every 1 mole of nitrogen, we need 3 moles of hydrogen.
So, we can write the mole ratio as:
x moles of N2 : y moles of H2 = 1 : 3
4. Find the corresponding ratio of molecules:
Since the ratio of moles is known, we can convert it to the ratio of molecules by utilizing Avogadro’s number, which tells us the number of particles (molecules) in 1 mole of any substance.
Avogadro's number is approximately 6.022 x 10^23 molecules/mole.
Therefore, the ratio of nitrogen to hydrogen molecules would be:
x moles of N2 : y moles of H2 = 1 : 3
x moles of N2 : y moles of H2 = 1 x (6.022 x 10^23 molecules/mole) : 3 x (6.022 x 10^23 molecules/mole)
x moles of N2 : y moles of H2 = 6.022 x 10^23 molecules of N2 : 18.066 x 10^23 molecules of H2
5. Simplify the ratio:
To have no left-over reactants, the ratio should be in the simplest form. We can divide both sides of the ratio by the smallest common factor (6.022 x 10^23) to simplify it.
The simplified ratio of nitrogen to hydrogen molecules would be:
1 molecule of N2 : 3 molecules of H2
So, for every 1 molecule of nitrogen gas (N2), we need 3 molecules of hydrogen gas (H2) to completely react and form 2 molecules of ammonia (NH3) without any reactants left over.
consider NH3
what reaction between N2 and H2 will balance that equation?