Here's the balanced chemical equation:
Ca (s) + H₂SO₄ (aq) → CaSO₄ (aq) + H₂ (g)
To determine the amount of hydrogen produced, you need to know the following:
* The amount of calcium metal used: This could be in grams, moles, or some other unit of measure.
* The concentration of the sulfuric acid: This is usually expressed in molarity (moles per liter).
Here's how to calculate the amount of hydrogen produced:
1. Determine the limiting reactant: The limiting reactant is the substance that will be completely consumed first, thereby limiting the amount of product formed. To find it, compare the moles of calcium and sulfuric acid used.
2. Calculate the moles of hydrogen produced: Use the mole ratio from the balanced equation to determine the moles of hydrogen produced from the limiting reactant.
3. Convert moles of hydrogen to grams (or any other desired unit): Use the molar mass of hydrogen (2.016 g/mol) to convert moles of hydrogen to grams.
Example:
Let's say you react 5.0 g of calcium metal with 100 mL of 1.0 M sulfuric acid.
1. Moles of calcium: (5.0 g Ca) / (40.08 g/mol Ca) = 0.125 mol Ca
2. Moles of sulfuric acid: (1.0 mol/L H₂SO₄) * (0.100 L) = 0.100 mol H₂SO₄
3. Limiting reactant: Calcium is the limiting reactant because there are fewer moles of it than sulfuric acid.
4. Moles of hydrogen: Since the mole ratio between calcium and hydrogen is 1:1, 0.125 mol of Ca will produce 0.125 mol of H₂.
5. Grams of hydrogen: (0.125 mol H₂) * (2.016 g/mol H₂) = 0.252 g H₂
Therefore, in this example, 0.252 g of hydrogen gas would be produced.
Important safety note: This reaction is exothermic and releases hydrogen gas, which is flammable. It should only be performed under proper safety precautions and in a well-ventilated area.