What is the mole ratio between the moles of CO2 produced and the moles of NaHCO3?

Question

Need some help with this chem question. Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi, Anna,

I think I can help you with this one! To begin with, you need to set up a balanced equation to understand the relationship between NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate, the starting material), and CO2 (carbon dioxide, the product):

2 NaHCO₃(s) → Na₂CO₃(s) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(g)

As shown, two molecules of sodium bicarbonate will decompose to generate one molecule of sodium carbonate, one molecule of carbon dioxide, and one molecule of water. This ratio remains the same whether it's one molecule or, well, 6.022 X 10²³ molecules (better known as a mole)! So, the mole ratio between the moles of CO₂ produced from the moles of NaHCO₃ to begin with is 1:2.

'Hope that helps,

Chris