What is the maximum amount in moles of P2O5 that can theoretically be made from 144 g of O2 and excess phosphorus? Express your answer to three significant figures. Equation: P4+5O2→2P2O5

Answer 1

Hello, Olivia,

First, let's calculate the number of moles of O₂ we have in 144 grams of the element. That is done by dividing the mass (g) by the molar mass of O₂ (32 g/mole).

We have 4.5 moles of O₂. By looking at the balanced equation, we see that we obtain 2 moles of P₂O₅ for every 5 moles of O₂, a ratio of 2/5.

Since we have 4.5 moles of O₂, we'll get (2 moles P₂O₅/5 moles O₂)*(4.5 moles O₂), or 1.8 moles of P₂O₅.

Bob