Question

What is the maximum mass of methane (CH4) that can be burned if only 1.0 g of oxygen is available and how do you figure it out?

Answer 1

0.28 g of
`CH_4`

Step-by-step explanation:

You need a balanced equation first.
`CH_4 + 2O_2` ⇒
`CO_2 + 2H_2O`

You need to find the number of moles of oxygen, which is mass divided by the Mr: 1 ÷ 32 = 1/32

Then you find the moles of methane using the mole ration oxygen to methane 2:1. 1/32 ÷ 2 = 1/64

Then you find the mass by multiplying the Mr with the number of moles:

1/64 × 18 = 0.28125 g = 0.28 g

Answer 2

Make the reaction:
`CH_4+2O_2=CO_2+2H_2O`
For 2*32=64 grams of oxygen, you can burn 2*16=32 grams of methane (that is, half).
So, our answer is .5g.
Other intermediate calculations are mollecular masses:

`\mu_(CH_4)=A_C+4A_H=12+4=16 \\ mu_(O_2)=2A_O=2*16=32`