Question

Certain race cars use methanol (CH₃OH, also called wood alcohol) as a fuel. The combustion of methanol occurs according to the following equation:

2CH₃OH + 3O₂ --> 2CO₂ + 4H₂O

In a particular reaction, 9.8 moles of CH₃OH are reacted with an excess of O₂. Calculate the number of moles of H₂O formed

Answer 1

The number of moles of H₂O formed in the combustion reaction of methanol is 19.6 moles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced equation for the combustion of methanol is 2CH₃OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 4H₂O.

From the equation, we can see that for every 2 moles of methanol reacted, 4 moles of water are formed.

Therefore, to calculate the number of moles of H₂O formed when 9.8 moles of CH₃OH are reacted, we can set up a proportion:

2 moles CH₃OH / 4 moles H₂O = 9.8 moles CH₃OH / x moles H₂O

Solving for x:

x = 19.6 moles H₂O