Question

When 16 g of methane (CH4) and 32 g of oxygen (O2) reacted to produce carbon dioxide and water, 11 g of carbon dioxide was produced. Calculate the percent yield of carbon dioxide in this reaction. A) 5.0% B) 10% C) 25% D) 50%

Answer 1

Percent yield = 50%

Step-by-step explanation:

Given data:

Mass of CH₄ = 16 g

Mass of O₂ = 32 g

Mass of CO₂ = 11 g

Percent yield of CO₂ = ?

Solution:

Chemical equation:

CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

Number of moles of CH₄:

Number of moles = mass/ molar mass

Number of moles = 16 g /16 g/mol

Number of moles = 1 mol

Number of moles of O₂:

Number of moles = mass/ molar mass

Number of moles = 32 g /32 g/mol

Number of moles = 1 mol

Now we will compare the moles of CO₂ with both reactant.

O₂ : CO₂

2 : 1

1 : 1/2×1= 0.5 mol

CH₄ : CO₂

1 : 1

Number of moles of CO₂ produced by oxygen are less so it will limiting reactant.

Theoretical yield:

Mass of CO₂:

Mass = number of moles × molar mass

Mass = 0.5 mol × 44 g/mol

Mass = 22 g

Percent yield:

Percent yield = actual yield / theoretical yield × 100

Percent yield = 11 g/ 22 g × 100

Percent yield = 50%