Calculating the Mass of Carbon Dioxide Produced

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 15 views

Understanding the Chemical Reaction: Combustion of Carbon

When it comes to chemical reactions, understanding the process of combustion is crucial. Combustion is a chemical reaction that involves the reaction of a substance with oxygen, resulting in the release of heat and light. In this article, we will explore the combustion of carbon and calculate the mass of carbon dioxide gas produced when 6 g of carbon is burnt in the presence of 50 g of oxygen.

The Chemical Equation: C + O2 → CO2

The combustion of carbon can be represented by the following chemical equation:

C + O2 → CO2

In this equation, carbon (C) reacts with oxygen (O2) to form carbon dioxide (CO2). The balanced equation shows that 1 mole of carbon reacts with 1 mole of oxygen to produce 1 mole of carbon dioxide.

Calculating the Mass of Carbon Dioxide Produced

To calculate the mass of carbon dioxide produced, we need to know the molar masses of carbon, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The molar masses are:

Carbon (C): 12 g/mol
Oxygen (O2): 32 g/mol
Carbon dioxide (CO2): 44 g/mol

We are given that 6 g of carbon is burnt in the presence of 50 g of oxygen. To calculate the mass of carbon dioxide produced, we need to calculate the number of moles of carbon and oxygen present.

Calculating the Number of Moles of Carbon

The number of moles of carbon can be calculated using the formula:

moles = mass / molar mass

Substituting the values, we get:

moles of carbon = 6 g / 12 g/mol = 0.5 mol

Calculating the Number of Moles of Oxygen

The number of moles of oxygen can be calculated using the formula:

moles = mass / molar mass

Substituting the values, we get:

moles of oxygen = 50 g / 32 g/mol = 1.56 mol

Determining the Limiting Reactant

To determine the limiting reactant, we need to compare the mole ratio of carbon and oxygen. The balanced equation shows that 1 mole of carbon reacts with 1 mole of oxygen. Therefore, the mole ratio of carbon to oxygen is 1:1.

Since we have 0.5 mol of carbon and 1.56 mol of oxygen, carbon is the limiting reactant.

Calculating the Mass of Carbon Dioxide Produced

Since carbon is the limiting reactant, the number of moles of carbon dioxide produced will be equal to the number of moles of carbon present. The molar mass of carbon dioxide is 44 g/mol.

mass of carbon dioxide = moles of carbon × molar mass of carbon dioxide = 0.5 mol × 44 g/mol = 22 g

Therefore, the mass of carbon dioxide gas produced when 6 g of carbon is burnt in the presence of 50 g of oxygen is 22 g.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the combustion of carbon can be represented by the chemical equation C + O2 → CO2. To calculate the mass of carbon dioxide produced, we need to calculate the number of moles of carbon and oxygen present and determine the limiting reactant. In this case, carbon is the limiting reactant, and the mass of carbon dioxide produced is 22 g.

Answer

The correct answer is c. 22 g.
Frequently Asked Questions: Combustion of Carbon

In the previous article, we explored the combustion of carbon and calculated the mass of carbon dioxide produced when 6 g of carbon is burnt in the presence of 50 g of oxygen. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to the combustion of carbon.

Q: What is the chemical equation for the combustion of carbon?

A: The chemical equation for the combustion of carbon is C + O2 → CO2.

Q: What is the molar mass of carbon dioxide?

A: The molar mass of carbon dioxide is 44 g/mol.

Q: How do you calculate the mass of carbon dioxide produced?

A: To calculate the mass of carbon dioxide produced, you need to calculate the number of moles of carbon and oxygen present and determine the limiting reactant. The mass of carbon dioxide produced is then calculated by multiplying the number of moles of carbon by the molar mass of carbon dioxide.

Q: What is the limiting reactant in the combustion of carbon?

A: The limiting reactant in the combustion of carbon is the reactant that is present in the smallest amount. In the case of the combustion of carbon, carbon is the limiting reactant.

Q: What is the role of oxygen in the combustion of carbon?

A: Oxygen plays a crucial role in the combustion of carbon. It reacts with carbon to form carbon dioxide, releasing heat and light in the process.

Q: Can the combustion of carbon be reversed?

A: No, the combustion of carbon cannot be reversed. Once carbon is burnt, it cannot be converted back into its original form.

Q: What are the products of the combustion of carbon?

A: The products of the combustion of carbon are carbon dioxide and heat.

Q: Can the combustion of carbon be used to produce energy?

A: Yes, the combustion of carbon can be used to produce energy. Carbon is a fossil fuel that can be burnt to produce heat and electricity.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of the combustion of carbon?

A: The advantages of the combustion of carbon include:

It is a readily available source of energy
It is relatively inexpensive to produce
It can be used to produce heat and electricity

The disadvantages of the combustion of carbon include:

It releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change
It can be hazardous to human health if not handled properly
It can contribute to air pollution

Q: Can the combustion of carbon be replaced by other sources of energy?

A: Yes, the combustion of carbon can be replaced by other sources of energy, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These sources of energy are cleaner and more sustainable than fossil fuels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the combustion of carbon is a complex process that involves the reaction of carbon with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. Understanding the chemical equation, molar masses, and limiting reactant is crucial in calculating the mass of carbon dioxide produced. The combustion of carbon can be used to produce energy, but it also has its disadvantages, including the release of greenhouse gases and air pollution.