Question

Gaseous ethane CH3CH3 will react with gaseous oxygen O2 to produce gaseous carbon dioxide CO2 and gaseous water H2O. Suppose 0.60 g of ethane is mixed with 3.52 g of oxygen. Calculate the maximum mass of carbon dioxide that could be produced by the chemical reaction. Round your answer to 2 significant digits.

Answer 1

1.8 g

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Write the balanced equation

CH₃CH₃(g) + 3.5 O₂(g) ⇒ 2 CO₂(g) + 3 H₂O(g)

Step 2: Determine the limiting reactant

The theoretical mass ratio of CH₃CH₃ to O₂ is 30.06:112.0 = 0.2684:1.

The experimental mass ratio of CH₃CH₃ to O₂ is 0.60:3.52 = 0.17:1.

Thus, the limiting reactant is CH₃CH₃

Step 3: Calculate the mass of CO₂ produced

The theoretical mass ratio of CH₃CH₃ to O₂ is 30.06:88.02.

0.60 g CH₃CH₃ × 88.02 g CO₂/30.06 g CH₃CH₃ = 1.8 g