Question

How many moles of mercury can be produced by the decomposition of 4.5 moles of mercury oxide?

(A) 4.5 moles
(B) 2.25 moles
(C) 9.0 moles
(D) 1.5 moles

Answer 1

The decomposition of 4.5 moles of mercury oxide produces 4.5 moles of mercury, as the mole ratio of mercury oxide to mercury in the balanced chemical equation is 1:1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The amount of mercury that can be produced by the decomposition of 4.5 moles of mercury oxide (HgO) can be determined by the stoichiometry of the decomposition reaction. The balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of mercury oxide is:

2 HgO(s) → 2 Hg(l) + O₂(g)

This equation shows that 2 moles of mercury oxide decompose to produce 2 moles of mercury and 1 mole of oxygen. Therefore, the mole ratio of mercury oxide to mercury is 1:1. So, if you start with 4.5 moles of mercury oxide, you will also produce 4.5 moles of mercury. Hence, the correct answer is: (A) 4.5 moles.