If 42 grams of carbon and 52 grams of oxygen are used, how many grams of CO2 will be produced (Hint: find the limiting reactant first). SHOW WORK
C + O2 + CO2

71.5g

Explanation:

The reaction equation is given as:

               C  +  O₂  →  CO₂

Mass of C = 42g

Mass of O₂  = 52g

Unknown:

Mass of CO₂ produced  = ?

Solution

Now to solve this problem, we have to find limiting reactant which is the one given in short supply in this reaction.

 The extent of the reaction is controlled by this reactant.

Find the number of moles of the given species;

 Number of moles  =

      Number of moles of C  =   = 3.5mol

     Number of moles of O₂   =   = 1.63mol

Now;

   From the balanced reaction equation;

           1 mole of C reacted with 1 mole of O₂

We see that C is in excess and O₂ is the limiting reactant.

            1 mole of O₂ will produce 1 mole of CO₂

 So;      1.63mole of O₂ will produce 1.63 mole of CO₂

Mass of CO₂ = number of moles x molar mass

       Molar mass of CO₂ = 44g/mol

Mass of CO₂ = 1.63 x 44 = 71.5g