HIGHER GRADE CHEMISTRY CALCULATIONS

Reacting Volumes.

Since one mole of any gas occupies the same volume under the same conditions of temperature and pressure we can use the balanced equation to calculate the volume of gases.

Worked example 1.

Nitrogen monoxide reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide.

What is the volume composition of the gases present when 40cm3 of nitrogen monoxide reacts with 100 cm3 of oxygen?

The balanced equation for the reaction is:-

2NO(g) + O2(g) 2NO2 (g)

2 mol + 1 mol 2 mol

2 vol + 1 vol 2 vol

2 vol of NO = 40cm3

So 1 vol = 20cm3

40cm3 + 20cm3 40cm3 20cm3 of O2 used

So 80cm3 left unreacted

Volume composition = 40cm3 of NO2 (g) + 80cm3 of unreacted O2

Higher Grade Chemistry

Calculations for you to try.

1. 40cm3 of propane is burned in 250cm3 of oxygen.

Calculate the volume and composition of the resulting gas mixture.

(All measurements are made at room temperature and pressure).

The balanced equation for the reaction is:-

C3H8(g) + 5O2(g) 3CO2 (g) + 4H2O(l)

1 mol + 5 mol 3 mol The water is ignored as at room temperature it is a liquid 1 vol + 5 vol 3 vol

40cm3 + 200cm3 120cm3 As 200cm3 of O2 is used up there is 50cm3 of O2 left unreacted

Volume composition = 120cm3 of CO2 (g) + 50cm3 of unreacted O2

Higher Grade Chemistry

Calculations for you to try.

2. 200 litres of carbon monoxide is reacted with 500 litres of hydrogen to form gaseous methanol, CH3OH.

Calculate the volume and composition of the resulting gas mixture.

(All measurements carried out at 200oC)

The balanced equation for the reaction is:-

CO(g) + 2H2(g) CH3OH(g)

1 mol + 2 mol 1 mol

1 vol + 2 vol 1 vol

200 litres + 400 litres 200 litres As 400 litres of H2 is used up there is 100 litres of H2 left unreacted

Volume composition = 200 litres of CH3OH(g) + 100 litres of

H2 left unreacted