Question

Calculate the mass of graphite that must be burnt to produce 13.2 grams of carbon dioxide

Answer 1

First, write a balanced equation:

C + O2 -> CO2

Now, find out how many moles 13.2 grams of CO2 represents. This requires calculating the molecular weight. This will be the sum of the atomic weights. Carbon is 12 grams per mole and Oxygen 16. CO2 is therefore 44 grams per mole. 13.2 grams of CO2 is 0.3 moles.

The molar ratio of C and CO2 is 1 to 1 according to the balanced equation. Therefore, 0.3 moles of C will produce 0.3 moles of CO2. Carbon has an atomic weight of 12 grams per mole. ).3 moles of carbon is 3.6 grams