Question

Calculate the stoichiometric amount of CaCl₂ needed to convert all of the CuSO₄ into CuCl₂. Show that calculation here! (Need a hint? Start by writing a balanced chemical equation between CuSO₄ and CaCl₂. Then determine the number of moles CuSO₄ you are using (from previous step). Remember, you are using a solution of CuSO₄; it has a concentration of 1M, or 1 mol CuSO₄ / 1 L solution. Using stoichiometry, calculate the number of moles of CaCl₂ you will need to react with that CuSO4. Convert that to grams CaCl₂.) IMPORTANT NOTE: If you calculated quantity for CaCl₂ is more than 5 g CaCl₂ you have made an error in your calculations. You will need to correct that error before proceeding to the next step or you will not have enough chemicals left for the other labs in this course. This is all the information given.

Answer 1

To determine the stoichiometric amount of CaCl₂ required to convert CuSO₄ to CuCl₂, balance the chemical reaction, use the molarity of CuSO₄ to find moles, and then convert to grams using the molar mass of CaCl₂. The result should be less than 5 grams to be correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the stoichiometric amount of CaCl₂ needed to convert CuSO₄ into CuCl₂, we start by balancing the chemical equation:

CuSO₄ + CaCl₂ → CuCl₂ + CaSO₄

This equation shows that 1 mole of CuSO₄ reacts with 1 mole of CaCl₂ to produce 1 mole of CuCl₂ and 1 mole of CaSO₄. We know that the concentration of the CuSO₄ solution is 1 M, which means there is 1 mole of CuSO₄ per liter of solution. Using stoichiometry, if we start with 1 liter of that solution, we would need 1 mole of CaCl₂ to react with 1 mole of CuSO₄.

The molar mass of CaCl₂ is:

1 x 40.08 g Ca.mol⁻¹ + 2 x 35.45 g Cl.mol⁻¹ = 110.98 g/mole

So, to convert moles of CaCl₂ to grams, we multiply:

1 mole CaCl₂ x 110.98 g/mole = 110.98 grams of CaCl₂

This number is above the 5 gram warning mentioned, indicating an error. However, typically these calculations would be based on the actual volume of CuSO₄ solution used, not 1 liter unless explicitly stated. In this case, the student should correct the calculation by considering the actual volume of the CuSO₄ solution provided or used in their experiment.