FeCl3 + 3H2O → Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl

Element Mass of an Atom (amu)
Fe 56
Cl 35
H 1
O 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)
Responses

179 amu
179 amu

161 amu
161 amu

108 amu
108 amu

215 amu

1 answer

To find the total mass of the reactants in the given reaction \( \text{FeCl}_3 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \), we need to calculate the mass contributions of each reactant using their respective atomic masses.

1. Calculate the mass of FeCl₃ (iron chloride):

  • Iron (Fe) = 56 amu
  • Chlorine (Cl) = 35 amu
  • Since there are 3 Cl atoms in FeCl₃: \[ \text{Mass of FeCl}_3 = 56 + (3 \times 35) = 56 + 105 = 161 \text{ amu} \]

2. Calculate the mass of 3H₂O (water):

  • Hydrogen (H) = 1 amu
  • Oxygen (O) = 16 amu
  • Since there are 2 H atoms and 1 O atom in water: \[ \text{Mass of H}_2\text{O} = (2 \times 1) + 16 = 2 + 16 = 18 \text{ amu} \]
  • For 3 water molecules: \[ \text{Mass of } 3 \text{H}_2\text{O} = 3 \times 18 = 54 \text{ amu} \]

3. Calculate the total mass of the reactants: \[ \text{Total mass of reactants} = \text{Mass of FeCl}_3 + \text{Mass of } 3\text{H}_2\text{O} = 161 + 54 = 215 \text{ amu} \]

Thus, the total mass of the reactants is 215 amu.