Question

In 1774, Joseph Priestly discovered oxygen gas by heating mercury(II) oxide powder with focused sunlight through a lens. How many grams of HgO (216.59 g/mol) would be decomposed to produce 1.50 mol O2 ? A. 650. g HgO B. 325gHgO C. 162gHgO D. 3.00 g HgO

Answer 1

A. 650 g

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation of the reaction is given as;

2 HgO(s) --> 2Hg(s) + O2(l)

From the reaction;

2 mol of HgO produces 1 mol of O2

x mol of HgO would produce 1.50 mol of O2

2 = 1

x = 1.5

Solving for x;

x = 1.5 * 2 / 1 = 3 mol

Converting to mass;

Mass = Number of moles * Molar mass

Mass = 3 mol * 216.59 g/mol

Mass = 649.77 g ≈ 650. g

Correct option is ;

A. 650 g