Use the ratio in the balanced chemical equation below to determine how many molecules of carbon monoxide gas (CO) would be made for every 4 molecules of oxygen (O2) that react.

Question

2 C + O₂ → 2 CO

Answer 1

O₂ and CO have a 1:2 mole ratio based on the balanced equation. This means for every 1 mole of O₂ 2 moles of CO are produced. One mole contains 6.02 • 10²³ molecules. Therefore, for every 4 moles, or 4 • 6.02 • 10²³ molecules, of O₂ consumed 8 moles, or 8 • 6.02 • 10²³ of CO are produced.