Can you determine the mass of carbon monxide that is produced when 45.6 grams of methane reacts with 73.2 grams of oxygen gas. Can you please show work in detail please.

Thanks

1 answer

This is a limiting reagent problem (actually that is two problems in one). All problems of this type are done the same way. Print this out and memorize how to do it.
1. Write and balance the equation.
2CH4 + 3O2 ==> 2CO + 4H2O

2a. Convert grams CH4 to moles. moles = grams/molar mass.
2b. Do the same for oxygen.

3a. Using the coefficients in the balanced equation, convert moles CH4 to moles of the product.
3b. Do the same for moles oxygen.
3c. It is quite likely that the answer form 3a and 3b will be different which means one of them is wrong. The correct answer, in limiting reagent problems, is ALWAYS the smaller value.

4. Convert the moles from 3c to grams of the product. grams = moles x molar mass