The balanced chemical equation below represents the reaction of nitrogen (N₂) with hydrogen (H₂) to produce ammonia (NH₃): N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3 If 10.0 grams of nitrogen reacts with hydrogen to yield 12.0 grams of ammonia, determine the mass of hydrogen used in the reaction?

A. 3.0 g of H2
B. 10 g of H2
C. 2.0 g of H2
D. 12 g of H2

1 answer

To determine the mass of hydrogen (H₂) used in the reaction, we can follow these steps:

  1. Calculate the moles of nitrogen (N₂) used:

    • The molar mass of nitrogen (N₂) is approximately 28.02 g/mol (14.01 g/mol for each nitrogen atom).
    • The number of moles of N₂ in 10.0 grams is calculated as follows: \[ \text{moles of N₂} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{molar mass}} = \frac{10.0 \text{ g}}{28.02 \text{ g/mol}} \approx 0.357 \text{ moles of N₂} \]
  2. Using the stoichiometry of the balanced equation:

    • The balanced equation is: \[ N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH₃ \]
    • From the equation, 1 mole of N₂ reacts with 3 moles of H₂.
    • Therefore, moles of H₂ needed for the reaction can be calculated as: \[ \text{moles of H₂} = 3 \times \text{moles of N₂} = 3 \times 0.357 \text{ moles} \approx 1.071 \text{ moles of H₂} \]
  3. Calculate the mass of hydrogen used:

    • The molar mass of hydrogen (H₂) is approximately 2.02 g/mol.
    • The mass of H₂ used in the reaction is: \[ \text{mass of H₂} = \text{moles of H₂} \times \text{molar mass of H₂} = 1.071 \text{ moles} \times 2.02 \text{ g/mol} \approx 2.16 \text{ g} \]

Given the closest answer option to our calculation:

C. 2.0 g of H₂ is the correct answer.