If 3.75 E 23 molecules of oxygen react, how many molecules of carbon dioxide will be produced?

1 Answer
Jun 2, 2018

Precisely the SAME number of carbon dioxide molecules will be produced....under conditions of COMPLETE oxidation....

Explanation:

We address the stoichiometric equation...

#C(s) + O_2(g) rarr CO_2(g)#..

And note (i) that while stoichiometry insists 1:1 MOLAR equivalence, it is 1:1 with respect to DIXOYGEN...this is an important point to consider. Please note (ii) that this treatment is restricted to the COMPLETE combustion of CARBON...if methane or ethane were the reductant a different stoichiometry would pertain, and you should have a go at representing these reactions....

Alternatively, conditions of INCOMPLETE combustion could pertain, such as occurs in the internal combustion or diesel engine, and SOME carbon monoxide, and carbon as soot would be the oxidation products...

Under conditions of complete combustion.....

#"Moles of dioxygen"=(3.75xx10^23)/(6.022xx10^23*mol^-1)=0.623*mol#. And thus #0.623*mol# of carbon dioxide are evolved. Take that atmosphere!