What is the theoretical yield of methane gas, CH4, if 235.0 grams of carbon react with excess water? ____ C (s) + ____ H2O (g) → ____ CH4 (g) + ____ CO2 (g)

Answer 1

First, balance the equation:

2C(s) + 2H₂O(g) ==> CH4(g) + CO₂(g) .. balanced equation

Next, use atomic mass of C (12.01 g/mol), the molar mass of CH4 (16.04 g/ mol) and dimensional analysis:

235.0 g C x 1 mol C / 12.01 g x 1 mol CH₄ / 2 mol C x 16.04 g CH₄ / mol CH₄ = 156.9 g CH₄ (4 sig.figs.)