1. Write the Balanced Chemical Equation:
4 Al + 3 O₂ → 2 Al₂O₃
2. Determine the Limiting Reactant:
* Moles of Al: 3.40 mol
* Moles of O₂: 2.85 mol
To find the limiting reactant, we need to compare the mole ratios based on the balanced equation:
* For Al: (3.40 mol Al) / (4 mol Al from equation) = 0.85
* For O₂: (2.85 mol O₂) / (3 mol O₂ from equation) = 0.95
The smaller value (0.85) corresponds to aluminum. Therefore, aluminum is the limiting reactant.
3. Calculate the Theoretical Yield of Al₂O₃:
Since aluminum is the limiting reactant, we use its moles to calculate the theoretical yield of aluminum oxide:
* From the balanced equation: 4 mol Al produces 2 mol Al₂O₃
* Ratio: (2 mol Al₂O₃) / (4 mol Al) = 0.5 mol Al₂O₃ / mol Al
* Theoretical Yield: (3.40 mol Al) * (0.5 mol Al₂O₃ / mol Al) = 1.70 mol Al₂O₃
Therefore, the theoretical yield of aluminum oxide is 1.70 moles.
Note: To convert moles to grams, you would need to use the molar mass of aluminum oxide (101.96 g/mol).
