Question

A quantity of propane undergoes complete combustion in a sealed container. The empty container has a mass of 15 grams, propane is put into the container, and the mass of the propane and the container is 19.72 grams. Oxygen is put into the container, and the propane undergoes combustion, producing carbon dioxide and water. The container is again put on a scale, and it is 36.92 grams. What is the mass of the oxygen?

A) 2.20 grams
B) 3.20 grams
C) 4.20 grams
D) 5.20 grams

Answer 1

The mass of oxygen used in the combustion of propane is found to be 17.20 grams by subtracting the mass of the container with propane from the mass of the container with the combustion products.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mass of oxygen used in the complete combustion of propane can be calculated by considering the mass of the sealed container before and after the combustion process. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

• Mass of empty container: 15 grams
  
• Mass of container with propane: 19.72 grams
  
• Propane mass: 19.72 grams - 15 grams = 4.72 grams
  
• Mass of container with propane and oxygen post-combustion: 36.92 grams
  
• Total mass post-combustion (propane + oxygen + container): 36.92 grams
  
• Mass of propane and container before combustion: 19.72 grams
  
• Mass of oxygen: 36.92 grams - 19.72 grams = 17.20 grams

Therefore, the mass of the oxygen that was used in the combustion process is 17.20 grams.