Final answer:
The balloon with the greatest number of particles in each pair is: a. Ne, b. O₂, and c. Xe. This is determined by comparing the molar mass of the gases, and the gas with the lower molar mass will have more particles for the same mass provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which balloon in each pair has the greatest number of particles, we need to consider the molar mass of the gases and use Avogadro's Law, which states that equal volumes of gases, at the same temperature and pressure, contain equal numbers of molecules. Given that all balloons are filled with the same mass of gas (10.0 grams), the gas with the lower molar mass will have the greater number of moles and consequently the greater number of particles.
- a. N₂ and Ne: Nitrogen (N₂) has a molar mass of approximately 28.0 g/mol, while neon (Ne) has a molar mass of approximately 20.18 g/mol. Since the molar mass of Ne is lower, it has the greatest number of particles.
- b. CO₂ and O₂: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) has a molar mass of about 44.01 g/mol, whereas oxygen (O₂) has a molar mass of about 32.00 g/mol. The balloon filled with O₂ thus has the greater number of particles.
- c. SiCl₄ and Xe: Silicon tetrachloride (SiCl₄) has a molar mass of approximately 169.9 g/mol, and xenon (Xe) has a molar mass of about 131.29 g/mol. Therefore, the Xe balloon has the greater number of particles.