Question

A group of food scientists is developing a new line of seasonings that are low in salt (NaCl). As part of their research, they synthesize a batch of salt by reacting sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl2) according to the given reaction.

2Na(s) + CIz(g) - 2NaCI(s)

To make this salt batch, the scientists added 3.2 moles of Cl2 to Na. Assume that there are enough reactants to complete the reaction. Determine the number of moles and molecules of NaCI that are produced.

Answer 1

If 3.2 moles of Cl2 are added to Na, the number of moles of NaCI produced would be 3.2 moles. According to the balanced equation, 2 moles of Na are needed to react with 1 mole of Cl2 to form 2 moles of NaCl. Since 3.2 moles of Cl2 are used in the reaction, 3.2 moles of NaCl will be produced.

In terms of the number of molecules, we can use Avogadro's number (6.022 x 10^23) to convert moles to molecules. Therefore, 3.2 moles of NaCl would be equal to (3.2 moles) x (6.022 x 10^23 molecules/mol) = 1.93 x 10^24 molecules of NaCl.