FeCl3 + 3H2O Fe(OH)3 + 3HCI

Element Fe, CI, H, O
Mass of an atom (amu) 56, 35, 1, 16

Iron chloride and water react according to the equation shown. The table shows the atomic masses of the elements involved in the reaction. What is the total mass of the reactants?

(1 point)

179 amu

215 amu

108 amu

161 amu

1 answer

To find the total mass of the reactants in the reaction:

\[ \text{FeCl}_3 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \]

We begin by calculating the mass of each reactant individually.

  1. Calculate the mass of FeCl₃:

    • Iron (Fe): 1 × 56 amu = 56 amu
    • Chlorine (Cl): 3 × 35 amu = 105 amu
    • Total mass of FeCl₃ = 56 amu + 105 amu = 161 amu
  2. Calculate the mass of 3 H₂O:

    • Hydrogen (H): 2 × 1 amu = 2 amu (for each H₂O)
    • Oxygen (O): 1 × 16 amu = 16 amu (for each H₂O)
    • Total mass of one H₂O = 2 amu + 16 amu = 18 amu
    • Total mass of 3 H₂O = 3 × 18 amu = 54 amu
  3. Total mass of the reactants:

    • Total mass = mass of FeCl₃ + mass of 3 H₂O
    • Total mass = 161 amu + 54 amu = 215 amu

Therefore, the total mass of the reactants is:

215 amu