When carbon is burned in air, it reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. When 14.4 g of carbon were burned in the presence of 56.5 g of oxygen, 18.1 g of oxygen remained unreacted. What mass of carbon dioxide was produced?

Mass of carbon dioxide produced = 52.8 g

Explanation:

Given data:

Mass of carbon react = 14.4 g

Mass of oxygen = 56.5 g

Mass of oxygen left = 18.1 g

Mass of carbon dioxide produced = ?

Solution:

C + O₂     →      CO₂

Number of moles of C:

Number of moles = mass/ molar mass

Number of moles = 14.4 g/ 12 g/mol

Number of moles = 1.2 mol

18.1 g of oxygen left it means carbon is limiting reactant.

Now we will compare the moles of C with CO₂.

                       C             :         CO₂

                        1             :          1

                      1.2           :          1.2

Mass of CO₂:

Mass = number of moles × molar mass

Mass = 1.2  mol × 44 g/mol

Mass = 52.8 g