Final answer:
The theoretical yield of CO gas can be calculated using stoichiometry. The balanced equation for the reaction is 2C + O₂ → 2CO. By converting the given masses of C and O₂ into moles and using the stoichiometric ratio, the theoretical yield of CO gas is determined to be approximately 46.54 g, which corresponds to option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theoretical yield of CO gas can be calculated using stoichiometry. The balanced equation for the reaction is:
2C + O₂ → 2CO
The molar mass of carbon (C) is 12.01 g/mol and the molar mass of oxygen (O₂) is 32.00 g/mol. We can use these values to convert the given masses of C and O₂ into moles:
20.0 g C * (1 mol C / 12.01 g C) = 1.665 mol C
20.0 g O₂ * (1 mol O₂ / 32.00 g O₂) = 0.625 mol O₂
Using the stoichiometric ratio from the balanced equation, we can determine the moles of CO that can be produced:
1.665 mol C * (2 mol CO / 2 mol C) = 1.665 mol CO
Therefore, the theoretical yield of CO gas is 1.665 mol, which is equivalent to 1.665 * 28.01 g = 46.54 g. The closest answer choice is 46.3 g (option b).