Final answer:
The question involves calculating the amount of acetylene gas produced from the reaction of calcium carbide with water. Through stoichiometric calculations, we can determine the moles or grams of acetylene gas generated.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the amount of acetylene gas produced when a 0.123-g sample of calcium carbide reacts with excess water, we need to perform stoichiometric calculations based on the balanced chemical reaction between calcium carbide (CaC2) and water (H2O). The balanced equation for this reaction is:
CaC2 (s) + 2 H2O(l) → C2H2(g) + Ca(OH)2 (s)
First, calculate the number of moles of calcium carbide using its molar mass. Then, use the mole ratio from the balanced equation to find the moles of acetylene produced. Finally, convert the moles of acetylene to grams, if required, using the molar mass of acetylene (C2H2).
The reaction produces acetylene gas, and the question seems to be focused on comparing two possible outcomes: the moles of gas produced or its mass in grams. For a 0.123-g sample of calcium carbide, the amount is more likely to be in the realm of milligrams to grams for acetylene, given its smaller molar mass compared to the total mass of the calcium carbide reacting.