FeCI3 + 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?
A. 161 amu
B. 108 amu
C. 179 amu
D. 215 amu

1 answer

To find the total mass of the reactants in the reaction \( \text{FeCl}_3 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \), we need to calculate the mass of each component involved in the reactants.

  1. Iron Chloride (FeCl₃):

    • 1 iron (Fe): 56 amu
    • 3 chlorine (Cl): \( 3 \times 35 \text{ amu} = 105 \text{ amu} \)

    Total mass of FeCl₃: \[ 56 \text{ amu} + 105 \text{ amu} = 161 \text{ amu} \]

  2. Water (H₂O):

    • 2 hydrogen (H): \( 2 \times 1 \text{ amu} = 2 \text{ amu} \)
    • 1 oxygen (O): 16 amu

    Total mass of 3H₂O (since there are 3 moles of water): \[ 3 \times (2 \text{ amu} + 16 \text{ amu}) = 3 \times 18 \text{ amu} = 54 \text{ amu} \]

Now, we can add the total masses of FeCl₃ and 3H₂O to find the total mass of the reactants:

Total mass of the reactants: \[ 161 \text{ amu} + 54 \text{ amu} = 215 \text{ amu} \]

Thus, the total mass of the reactants is:

D. 215 amu