Answer & Explanation:
The balanced equation for the reaction of combustion of methane:
CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
reactants products
C 1 1
H 4 4
O 4 4
Moles of Methane = mass ÷ molar mass
= 10 g ÷ 16.04 g/mol
= 0.6234 mol
Since the mole ratio of CH₄ to CO₂ based on the balance equation is 1:1, then for every mole of CH₄ reacted, 1 mole of CO₂.
∴ since mole of CH₄ = 0.6324 mol
then moles of CO₂ = 0.6324 mol
⇒ Mass of CO₂ produced = moles × molar mass
= 0.6324 mol × 44.01 g/mol
= 27.83 g
≈ 27 g (as the question predicts).
Law of Conservation of Mass:
The law of conservation of mass states that mass in an isolated system is neither created nor destroyed by chemical reactions or physical transformations. According to the law of conservation of mass, the mass of the products in a chemical reaction must equal the mass of the reactants.
