Atom Balance: C & O for CO and O2 Reaction

In summary, the conversation discusses how to write the atom balance for carbon and oxygen in a chemical reaction involving one mole of CO and 1/2 mole of oxygen. The attempt at a solution includes creating a table and determining the unknowns, but it is ultimately found to be unsolvable with a unique solution. The solution is then clarified to show that the final state should not include CO and that O2 cannot be negative. The conversation ends with a question about the definition of atom balance.
  • #1
xzibition8612
142
0

Homework Statement


One mole of CO and 1/2 mole of oxygen are mixed and the products consist of CO2, CO, O2, and O. Write the atom balance for C and O.

Homework Equations



Mass conservation

The Attempt at a Solution


1/2(O2)+CO2 -> aCO2 +bCO+cO2 +dO.
a, b, c, d are unknowns.

I make a table:

Element Reactants Products
C 1 a+b
O 2 2a+b+2c+d

Its unsolvable. 2 equations and 4 unknowns. But the answer is CO2 <-> CO+1/2(O2)

How?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It is solvable with a unique solution, if you consider a final state without CO (CO would just indicate your reaction was not complete) and take into account that O2 cannot be negative and O won't happen.
 
  • #3
Strange question. How is atom balance defined?
 

Related to Atom Balance: C & O for CO and O2 Reaction

1) What is Atom Balance in the context of the C & O for CO and O2 reaction?

Atom Balance refers to the principle of conservation of matter in a chemical reaction. This means that the number of atoms of each element present in the reactants must equal the number of atoms of each element present in the products.

2) Why is Atom Balance important in the C & O for CO and O2 reaction?

Atom Balance is crucial in all chemical reactions, including the C & O for CO and O2 reaction, because it ensures that the reaction obeys the law of conservation of matter. It allows us to accurately predict the amount of reactants and products that will be formed in a reaction.

3) What are the reactants in the C & O for CO and O2 reaction?

The reactants in the C & O for CO and O2 reaction are carbon (C) and oxygen (O2).

4) What are the products in the C & O for CO and O2 reaction?

The products in the C & O for CO and O2 reaction are carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen gas (O2).

5) How do you balance the atoms in the C & O for CO and O2 reaction?

To balance the atoms in the C & O for CO and O2 reaction, you must ensure that the number of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms on both the reactant and product sides are equal. This can be done by adjusting the coefficients (numbers in front of each compound) to achieve the same number of atoms on both sides.

Similar threads

Balance Redox Reaction: 2PbO2 + 4H+ = 2Pb 2+ + O2 + 2H2O
Replies
1
Views
2K
Chemistry Calculate the number of molecules of O2 when given the number of moles
Replies
7
Views
3K
Calculate Heat of Combustion of Graphite
Replies
7
Views
1K
Calculating Age of Native American Campfire Using Radioactive Decay of CaCO3
Replies
1
Views
2K
Automotive Loss of gaseous volume because of fuel combustion
Replies
2
Views
703
Oxidation reaction-which is oxidized?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Enthalpy of Formation of Carbon Monoxide
Replies
2
Views
2K
What Mass of Oxygen Gas Is Liberated from Heating Sodium Nitrate?
Replies
2
Views
3K
Chemistry Partial pressure and moles problem?
Replies
2
Views
4K
Find out the molar fractions of all the involved gases
Replies
5
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top