To calculate the total mass of the reactants in the reaction of iron chloride and water, we need the balanced chemical equation for the reaction, along with the atomic masses of the elements involved.
Commonly, iron(III) chloride (FeCl₃) reacts with water (H₂O) in a hydrolysis reaction:
\[ \text{FeCl}_3 + 3 \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Fe(OH)}_3 + 3 \text{HCl} \]
Atomic masses (example values):
- Iron (Fe): 55.85 g/mol
- Chlorine (Cl): 35.45 g/mol
- Hydrogen (H): 1.01 g/mol
- Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol
Step 1: Calculate the mass of the reactants.
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For iron(III) chloride (FeCl₃):
- Mass of Fe: 1 * 55.85 g/mol = 55.85 g/mol
- Mass of Cl: 3 * 35.45 g/mol = 106.35 g/mol
- Total mass of FeCl₃ = 55.85 g/mol + 106.35 g/mol = 162.20 g/mol
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For water (H₂O):
- Mass of H: 2 * 1.01 g/mol = 2.02 g/mol
- Mass of O: 1 * 16.00 g/mol = 16.00 g/mol
- Total mass of H₂O = 2.02 g/mol + 16.00 g/mol = 18.02 g/mol
Step 2: Combine the masses to find the total mass of the reactants:
- Total mass of reactants = Mass of FeCl₃ + Mass of 3 H₂O
- Since 3 moles of water are used in the reaction:
- Mass of 3 H₂O = 3 * 18.02 g/mol = 54.06 g/mol
So, total mass of the reactants is: \[ 162.20 , \text{g/mol} + 54.06 , \text{g/mol} = 216.26 , \text{g/mol} \]
Therefore, the total mass of the reactants is 216.26 g/mol. Please ensure the atomic masses used are accurate for your specific calculation or context if you have different values.