Question

A reaction involves 0.50grams of hydrogen (H2) gas and 1.20 grams of carbon (C) to form methane (CH4). Calculate the mass of methane gas formed?

Answer 1

The balanced chemical equation for the formation of methane from carbon and hydrogen is,
                              C + 2H2 --> CH4
This suggests that every 12 grams of C needs 4 grams of H in order to produce 16 grams of methane. 
       0.05 grams of hydrogen (H2) x (16 grams methane / 4 grams H) = 0.2 grams of methane. 
  
      1.20 grams carbon x (16 grams carbon / 12 grams of C) = 1.6 grams methane

We take the lower amount of carbon. Thus, the reaction will produce approximately 0.2 grams methane.