Theoretical Chem

Question

1H2  + 1Cl2     2HCl

What volume of hydrochloric acid (HCl) could theoretically be produced when 6 Liters of H2 reacts with 4 Liters of Cl2? 

Answer 1

H₂ + Cl₂ ==> 2HCl ... balanced equation

You can read this reaction in a number of different ways

1 mol H₂ reacts with 1 mol Cl₂ to produce 2 mols HCl

1 liter H₂ reacts with 1 liter Cl₂ to produce 2 liters HCl

1 molecule H₂ reacts with 1 molecule Cl₂ to produce 1 molecule HCl

etc, etc.

Using the relationship that 1 liter of H₂ reacts with 1 liter of Cl₂ to produce 2 liters of HCl,...

Because we are given the volumes of BOTH reactants (H₂ and Cl₂), we have to find the limiting reactant. In this case it will be Cl₂ since you have only 4 liters of Cl₂ but we have 6 liters of H₂. Cl₂ will run out first.

The limiting reactant will determine the amount of product that can be formed

4 L Cl₂ x 2 L HCl / 1 L Cl₂ = 8 L HCl = volume of HCl formed