Study the reaction.
2CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
If 7.4 moles of carbon dioxide (CO2) form at the end of the reaction, how many moles of methane (CH4) and oxygen gas (O2) entered the reaction?
To determine the number of moles of methane (CH4) and oxygen gas (O2) that entered the reaction, we need to use the balanced chemical equation and the stoichiometry of the reaction.
Looking at the balanced equation:
2CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
We can see that for every 2 moles of methane (CH4) reacted, 1 mole of carbon dioxide (CO2) is formed. Therefore, the ratio is 2:1.
Using this ratio, we can calculate the moles of methane (CH4):
Moles of CH4 = (7.4 moles CO2) / (1 mole CO2/2 moles CH4)
= 7.4/0.5
= 14.8 moles CH4
So, 14.8 moles of methane (CH4) entered the reaction.
Similarly, for every 2 moles of oxygen (O2) reacted, 1 mole of carbon dioxide (CO2) is formed. Therefore, the ratio is also 2:1.
Using this ratio, we can calculate the moles of oxygen gas (O2):
Moles of O2 = (7.4 moles CO2) / (1 mole CO2/2 moles O2)
= 7.4/0.5
= 14.8 moles O2
So, 14.8 moles of oxygen gas (O2) entered the reaction.
To summarize:
Moles of CH4 (methane) = 14.8 moles
Moles of O2 (oxygen) = 14.8 moles