Tetraphosphorus (P4), commonly known as white phosphorus, forms different compounds with chlorine (Cl2) depending on the amount of chlorine present. If chlorine is limited, phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is formed. If there is an excess of chlorine, phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) is formed.

Question

a) Write balanced equations for the two reactions of white phosphorous with chlorine. (I DID THIS ONE ALREADY)
b) Design an experiment that could be performed to verify each synthesis reaction. Include a hypothesis relating to whether PCl3 or PCl5 will be produced, information about the initial masses you would use, and possible problems that might arise.
c) Explain how your experiment will confirm the conservation of matter for each reaction.
d)Based on the ratio of moles of reactants in each case, predict the product of each trial of your experiment (PCl3 or PCl5) using your chosen initial masses. Explain your reasoning, and show any calculations
e)Suppose you choose the initial masses so that both reactions produce PCl3. Explain how both of these chemical reactions obey the law of definite proportions, even though they produce different numbers of moles of the product. Justify your answer with calculations.

Answer 1

You're talking about writing just short of a thesis here and few of us will do that. If you can break it down, explain exactly what you don't understand(in detail) about these one at a time, perhaps someone can give you some helpful tips on how to complete the assignment.

Answer 2

Well I figured out the equations, I just have no clue on what to do about the "design an experiment" part

Answer 3

That means you put on your thinking cap, read up on PCl3 and PCl5 (I suggest you Google one or both and read up on that on Wikipedia). Then I would go the route of starting with a known amount of P4 and calculating how much Cl2 it takes to form PCl3 or pCl5. You work all of that in with limiting reagent. As you work and read you will come up with questions/answers and you include that. This assignment is really a comprehensive one. I don't think you can do it and do a good job in a few hours.

Answer 4

I just needed help, not your opinion if I can do it or not.

Answer 5

Just out of curiosity DrBob222, are you a even real doctor?

Answer 6

Apex sucks dieck lmao