Final answer:
When 24.5 moles of mercury(II) oxide decompose, they produce 24.5 moles of mercury, according to the 1:1 mole ratio from the balanced chemical equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how many moles of mercury are produced if 24.5 moles of mercury (II) oxide decompose. The decomposition of mercury(II) oxide yields mercury and oxygen gas. The balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of mercury(II) oxide (HgO) is:
2 HgO(s) → 2 Hg(l) + O₂(g)
From this equation, we can see that 2 moles of mercury(II) oxide produces 2 moles of mercury. Thus, there is a 1:1 mole ratio between mercury(II) oxide and mercury. Therefore, if we start with 24.5 moles of HgO, this will produce an equal amount of mercury, which is also 24.5 moles