Question

Suppose 2.2 g of hydrochloric acid is mixed with 1.61 g of sodium hydroxide. Calculate the maximum mass of sodium chloride that could be produced by the chemical reaction. Be sure your answer has the correct number of significant digits.

Answer 1

We can produce 2.35 grams sodium chloride

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Mass of hydrochloric acid = 2.2 grams

Molar mass of hydrochloric acid (HCl)= 36.46 g/mol

Mass of sodium hydroxide = 1.61 grams

Molar mass of sodium hydroxide = 40.0 g/mol

Step 2: The balanced equation

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O

Step 3: Calculate moles HCl

Moles HCl = mass HCl / molar mass HCl

Moles HCl = 2.2 grams / 36.46 g/mol

Moles HCl = 0.0603 moles

Step 4: Calculate moles NaOH

Moles NaOH = 1.61 grams / 40.0 g/mol

Moles NaOH = 0.0403 moles

Step 5: Calculate the limiting reactant

NaOH is the limiting reactant. It will completely be consumed (0.0403 moles). HCl is in excess. There will react 0.04025 moles. There will remain 0.0603 -0.0403 = 0.0200 moles

Step 6: Calculate moles sodium chloride

For 1 mol HCl we need 1 mol NaOH to produce 1 mol NaCl and 1 mol H2O

For 0.0403 moles NaOH we'll have 0.0403 moles NaCl

Step 7: Calculate mass NaCl

Mass NaCl = moles NaCl * molar mass NaCl

Mass NaCl = 0.0403 moles * 58.44 g/mol

Mass NaCl = 2.35 grams

We can produce 2.35 grams sodium chloride