Question

Acetylene gas is often used in welding torches because of the very high heat produced when it reacts with oxygen O2 gas, producing carbon dioxide gas and water vapor. Calculate the moles of oxygen needed to produce 1.3mol of carbon dioxide. Be sure your answer has a unit symbol, if necessary, and round it to 2 significant digits.

Answer 1

3.2 moles of carbon dioxide

Explanation:

When C₂H₂ reacts with O₂ the chemical reaction is:

C₂H₂ + 5/2O₂ → 2CO₂ + H₂O

Where 1 mole of acetylene produce 2 moles of carbon dioxide.

Based on the chemical equation of this reaction, there are produced twice the moles of acetylene in moles of carbon dioxide assuming a compete reaction.

If 1.6 moles of acetylene reacts there are produced:

1.6 moles Acetylene * (2 moles Carbon Dioxide / 1 mole Acetylene) =

3.2 moles of carbon dioxide