Final answer:
By using stoichiometry of the reaction, 8 moles of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) upon heating yield 8 moles of calcium oxide (CaO). With the molar mass of CaO being 56.08 g/mol, the mass of CaO produced is 448.64 grams.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the mass of calcium oxide (CaO) that can be obtained by heating 8 moles of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), we use the stoichiometry of the decomposition reaction. The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO2(g)
From the balanced equation, we see that 1 mole of CaCO3 produces 1 mole of CaO. Therefore, 8 moles of CaCO3 will produce 8 moles of CaO. To convert moles of CaO to grams, we use the molar mass of CaO, which is approximately 56.08 g/mol.
Mass of CaO = moles of CaO × molar mass of CaO
= 8 moles × 56.08 g/mol
= 448.64 grams of CaO
This calculation assumes a 100% yield, which, theoretically, is achievable if the CO2 gas is allowed to escape during the reaction. Thus, by heating 8 moles of CaCO3, one can obtain 448.64 g of CaO.