Question

In the aerobic degradation of benzoic acid, if RQ = 0.9, what are the values of a, b, c, d, and e in the reaction?

A. Not enough information.
B. Use the component method.
C. RQ is undefined.
D. Determine the values of a, b, c, d, and e.

Answer 1

In the aerobic degradation of benzoic acid, the values of a, b, c, d, and e in the reaction cannot be determined with only the RQ value. More information is needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the aerobic degradation of benzoic acid, the RQ (respiratory quotient) is the ratio of the moles of carbon dioxide produced to the moles of oxygen consumed. It is calculated by dividing the number of moles of carbon dioxide by the number of moles of oxygen. In this case, the RQ is given as 0.9.

The equation for the aerobic degradation of benzoic acid can be represented as:

aC6H5COOH + bO2 → cCO2 + dH2O + eO2

To determine the values of a, b, c, d, and e in the reaction, we need more information. The RQ alone is not sufficient to determine the stoichiometry of the reaction. Therefore, the answer is A. Not enough information.