# In the reaction 2CO(g) + O_2(g) -> 2CO_2(g), what is the ratio of moles of oxygen used to moles of CO_2 produced?

Apr 2, 2017

Why the ratio of dioxygen to carbon dioxide is $1 : 2$ on the basis of $\text{moles, i.e. on the basis of number of particles}$.

#### Explanation:

You have given the stoichiometric equation, which states UNEQUIVOCALLY that 2 mole of carbon monoxide reacts with 1 mole of dioxygen gas to give 2 mole of carbon dioxide. We could also state that 1 volume of carbon monoxide, and 2 volumes of dioxygen, react to give 2 volumes of carbon dioxide.

Look at the stoichiometry of the reaction. One mole of dioxygen reacts with 2 moles of carbon monoxide to give 2 moles of carbon dioxide. Because products and reactants are conceived to hold identical temperatures, and pressure is constant, one VOLUME of dioxygen reacts with 2 VOLUMES of carbon monoxide to give 2 VOLUMES of carbon dioxide.

Apr 2, 2017

$1 : 2$ that is $\frac{1 m o l {O}_{2}}{2 m o l C {O}_{2}}$

#### Explanation:

First check to see if the equation is balanced. It is so now let's find the ratio.

The ratio is the stoichiomeric coefficient of the element or compound.

Oxygen: Carbon dioxide

${O}_{2} : 2 C {O}_{2}$

$1 : 2$