Balance the following equation, how many grams of propane are needed to react completely with 48 grams of oxygen? How many grams of carbon dioxide will be produced?

Question

Equation

C4H10 + O2 —> CO2 + H2O

Answer 1

First, you must balance the equation:

2C₄H₁₀ + 13O₂ ==> 8CO₂ + 10H₂O ... balanced equation

Next, find moles of O₂ present:

48 g O₂ x 1 mol O₂ /32 g = 1.50 mols O₂ present

Then find moles of C₄H₁₀ needed to react with 1.50 mols O₂ according to the balanced equation:

1.50 mols O₂ x 2 mols C₄H₁₀ / 13 mols O₂ = 0.231 mols C₄H₁₀ needed

Finally, convert mols propane to grams propane using the molar mass of propane (58 g/mol):

0.231 mols C₄H₁₀ x 58 g/mol = 13.4 g C₄H₁₀

To find grams CO₂, follow the same reasoning, using the balanced equation:

1.50 mols O₂ x 8 mols CO₂ / 13 mols O₂ x 44 g CO₂/mol = 40.6 g CO₂