When 21.5 g of CH4 gas reacts with 387.5 g O2 gas, how much CO2 is formed?

Mass = 58.96 g

Explanation:

Given data:

Mass of CH₄ = 21.5 g

Mass of O₂ = 387.5 g

Mass of CO₂ formed = ?

Solution:

Chemical equation:

CH₄ + 2O₂       →   CO₂ +  2H₂O

Number of moles of CH₄:

Number of moles = mass / molar mass

Number of moles = 21.5 g/ 16 g/mol

Number of moles = 1.34 mol

Number of moles of O₂ :

Number of moles = mass / molar mass

Number of moles = 387.5 g/ 32 g/mol

Number of moles = 12.1 mol

now we will compare the moles of CO₂  with O₂  and CH₄.

                       O₂             :          CO₂

                          2             :            1

                          12.1          :          1/2×12.1 = 6.05 mol

                        CH₄          :          CO₂

                           1              :            1

                          1.34           :         1.34

Number of moles of CO₂ produced by  CH₄ are less thus it will limiting reactant.

Mass of  CO₂:

Mass = number of moles × molar mass

Mass =  1.34 mol × 44 g/mol

Mass = 58.96 g