Some commercial drain cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and powdered aluminium (Al). When the mixture is poured into a clogged drain the reaction given by the following balanced equation occurs:

Question

Some commercial drain cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and powdered aluminium (Al). When the mixture is poured into a clogged drain the reaction given by the following balanced equation occurs:
 
2Al + 2NaOH + 6H2O → 2NaAl(OH)4 + 3H2

The heat generated by the reaction helps to melt any grease, and the hydrogen (H2) gas generated stirs up the particles and helps unclog the drain. If you use 48 g of aluminium powder and excess sodium hydroxide and water, how many litres of gaseous H2, measured at 12.39 psi and 2.0E1 ºC, are produced

DrBob222 · Answer

1. You have the balanced equation.
2. Convert g Al to mols. mols = grams/atomic mass.
3. Using the coefficients in the balanced equation, convert mols Al to mols H2.
4. Convert psi to mm then use PV = nRT and solve for V in liters.
Post your work if you get stuck.