how many moles of KCI will i obtain?

Question

2 KCIO3 -> 3 O2 + 2 KCI

12 moles of KCIO3 x = moles of KCI

Answer 1

With Chemistry, always focus on units. In this problem, you are trying to cancel out the moles of KClO3 and get moles of KCl. Therefore, we will have to use a conversion factor that allows us to convert the moles of KCl03 to moles of KCl.

This is done by the coefficients in the equation. It tells us that for every 2 moles of KCl03 there are 2 moles of KCl made. Therefore, our conversion factor is 2 moles KCl/ 2 moles KClO3. We will use this as follows:

12 moles KClO3 x 2 moles KCl/ 2 moles KClO3.= 12 moles KCl.

Notice how the units, moles KClO3 is cancelled out and we are left with the needed unites, moles KCl. This is an important skill that is used in all chemistry problems.