Final answer:
When 5.0 moles of CaCO3 decompose, they produce 5.0 moles of CO2. Using Avogadro's number, the calculation shows that there should be 3.01 x 10^24 molecules of CO2, which is not one of the provided options. There might be an error in the options given.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how many molecules of CO2 are produced when 5.0 moles of CaCO3 decompose, we need to examine the balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of calcium carbonate:
CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
According to the equation, 1 mole of CaCO3 yields 1 mole of CO2. Therefore, 5.0 moles of CaCO3 will produce 5.0 moles of CO2.
Next, we use Avogadro's number (6.022 × 1023 molecules/mole) to convert moles of CO2 to molecules:
5.0 moles of CO2 × 6.022 × 1023 molecules/mole = 3.01 × 1024 molecules of CO2
Therefore, the correct answer is B) 1.51 × 1024 molecules, but this is based on the calculation. Since there's a discrepancy, please double-check the calculation:
5.0 moles × 6.022 × 1023 molecules/mole = 3.011 × 1024 molecules of CO2
The correct answer should then be 3.01 × 1024 molecules of CO2, but this is not one of the options provided. There may be a mistake in the options given, and the issue should be clarified with the question provider.