1. Write the Balanced Chemical Equation:
C + O₂ → CO₂
This equation tells us that one atom of carbon (C) reacts with one molecule of oxygen (O₂) to produce one molecule of carbon dioxide (CO₂).
2. Convert Grams to Moles:
* Carbon: 6 grams of carbon / 12.01 g/mol (molar mass of carbon) = 0.5 mol of carbon
* Oxygen: 11 grams of oxygen / 32 g/mol (molar mass of oxygen) = 0.34 mol of oxygen
3. Determine the Limiting Reactant:
* The balanced equation shows a 1:1 mole ratio between carbon and oxygen.
* Since we have less oxygen (0.34 mol) than carbon (0.5 mol), oxygen is the limiting reactant. This means that oxygen will be completely consumed, and the amount of carbon dioxide produced will be determined by the amount of oxygen available.
4. Calculate Moles of Carbon Dioxide:
* The mole ratio between oxygen and carbon dioxide is 1:1.
* Since we have 0.34 mol of oxygen, we will produce 0.34 mol of carbon dioxide.
5. Convert Moles of Carbon Dioxide to Grams:
* 0.34 mol of CO₂ * 44.01 g/mol (molar mass of carbon dioxide) = 15.0 grams of CO₂
Therefore, if you start with 6 grams of carbon and 11 grams of oxygen, and they react completely, you will produce 15.0 grams of carbon dioxide.
