stoichiometry mass to mass

Question

Liquid nitroglycerin, a very powerful explosive, has the formula C3H5(NO3)3. It is unstable and decomposes to form carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water, and oxygen. a. Write the balanced chemical equation for this decomposition. Write the starting materials on the left and the products on the right side of the arrow. HINT: Don’t forget the diatomic molecules! b. How many grams of carbon dioxide are formed from 10.00 grams of liquid nitroglycerin? Use significant figures and show your work.

Answer 1

a). 4C₃H₅(NO₃)₃ ==> 12CO₂ + 6N₂ + 10H₂O + O₂

b). 10.00 g x 1 mole/227.09 g = 0.04404 moles nitroglycerin

0.04404 moles nitro x 12 mol CO₂/4 moles nitro = 0.1321 mol CO₂

mass CO₂ = 0.1321 moles x 44 g/ mole = 5.813 g (4 sig. figs.)