How many grams carbon dioxide can be formed from 29 grams of methane (carbon tetrahidride)?

Answer 1

Hello, Ryuu,

We need a balanced equation to start. I'll assume this is a combustion reaction. Methane (carbon tetrahydride, CH₄) reacts with oxygen (O₂) to form carbon dioxide and water. [Note the correct spelling of hydride]

CH₄ + O₂ = CO₂ + H₂O

This needs to be balanced. There are more H units in the reactants than the products, but not enough oxygens. I believe this works:

CH₄ + 2O₂ = CO₂ + 2H₂O

Now we can state that we get one mole of carbon dioxide for every one of mole methane consumed - a 1:1 molar ratio.

Let's find the moles CH₄ in 29 grams by dividing the mass be the molar mass of CH₄, 16.1 grams/mole.

29 grams/16.1 grams/mole = 1.81 moles CH₄

This means we'll get 1.81 moles of CO₂, according to the molar ratio.

Convert 1.81 moles CO₂ into grams by multiplying by carbon dioxide's molar mass of 44.0 grams/mole.

(1.81 moles CO₂)*(44.0 grams/mole CO₂) = 79.7 grams, rounded to 80 grams for 2 sig figs.

Bob