Question

When 2.5 moles of oxygen gas react completely with pentane, how many moles of carbon dioxide are present?

Balanced equation: C5H12 + 8 O2 --> 5 CO2 + 6 H2O
Show work

Answer 1

1.6 mol Carbon Dioxide

Explanation:

In order to convert between mols of compounds, you need to use the mole ratio. First, divide 2.5 moles of oxygen gas by 8 moles of oxygen because that is the number of moles of oxygen gas in the balanced equation. Then to find the number of moles of carbon dioxide, multiply by the 5 moles of carbon dioxide in the mole ratio. After multiplying, you get the answer 1.56 moles of carbon dioxide and with 2 significant figures present you would round to 1.6 moles.