Consider The Combustion Reaction For Acetylene:${ 2 C_2H_2(l) + 5 O_2(g) \rightarrow 4 CO_2(g) + 2 H_2O(g) }$If The Acetylene Tank Contains 37.0 Mol Of $C_2H_2$ And The Oxygen Tank Contains 81.0 Mol Of $O_2$, What Is
Introduction
In chemistry, a combustion reaction is a type of chemical reaction that involves the reaction of a substance with oxygen, resulting in the release of heat and light. One of the most common combustion reactions is the reaction of acetylene (C2H2) with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). In this article, we will discuss the combustion reaction of acetylene and determine the limiting reactant when the acetylene tank contains 37.0 mol of C2H2 and the oxygen tank contains 81.0 mol of O2.
The Combustion Reaction of Acetylene
The combustion reaction of acetylene is represented by the following equation:
In this reaction, 2 moles of acetylene react with 5 moles of oxygen to produce 4 moles of carbon dioxide and 2 moles of water.
Determining the Limiting Reactant
To determine the limiting reactant, we need to compare the mole ratio of the reactants to the mole ratio of the products. In this case, we have 37.0 mol of C2H2 and 81.0 mol of O2. We can calculate the mole ratio of C2H2 to O2 as follows:
Mole ratio of C2H2 to O2 = 37.0 mol / 81.0 mol = 0.456
According to the balanced equation, the mole ratio of C2H2 to O2 is 2:5, which is equal to 0.4. Since the mole ratio of C2H2 to O2 in the reaction mixture is greater than the mole ratio in the balanced equation, C2H2 is not the limiting reactant.
Calculating the Amount of Oxygen Required
To determine the limiting reactant, we need to calculate the amount of oxygen required to react with 37.0 mol of C2H2. According to the balanced equation, 2 moles of C2H2 react with 5 moles of O2. Therefore, the amount of oxygen required to react with 37.0 mol of C2H2 is:
Amount of O2 required = (37.0 mol x 5 mol O2 / 2 mol C2H2) = 92.5 mol
Determining the Limiting Reactant
Since the amount of oxygen required to react with 37.0 mol of C2H2 is 92.5 mol, and the oxygen tank contains 81.0 mol of O2, oxygen is the limiting reactant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the limiting reactant in the combustion reaction of acetylene is oxygen. This is because the amount of oxygen required to react with 37.0 mol of C2H2 is greater than the amount of oxygen available in the oxygen tank.
Calculating the Amount of Products Formed
To calculate the amount of products formed, we need to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide and water formed. According to the balanced equation, 2 moles of C2H2 react with 5 moles of O2 to produce 4 moles of CO2 and 2 moles of H2O. Therefore, the amount of CO2 and H2O formed is:
Amount of CO2 formed = (37.0 mol x 4 mol CO2 / 2 mol C2H2) = 74.0 mol Amount of H2O formed = (37.0 mol x 2 mol H2O / 2 mol C2H2) = 37.0 mol
Conclusion
In conclusion, the combustion reaction of acetylene is a complex process that involves the reaction of acetylene with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. The limiting reactant in this reaction is oxygen, and the amount of products formed is determined by the amount of reactants available.
Applications of Combustion Reactions
Combustion reactions have many applications in various fields, including:
- Energy Production: Combustion reactions are used to produce energy in the form of heat and light.
- Industrial Processes: Combustion reactions are used in various industrial processes, such as the production of steel and cement.
- Transportation: Combustion reactions are used in internal combustion engines to power vehicles.
- Medical Applications: Combustion reactions are used in medical applications, such as the production of oxygen for patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, combustion reactions are an important class of chemical reactions that have many applications in various fields. The limiting reactant in a combustion reaction is determined by the mole ratio of the reactants to the mole ratio of the products, and the amount of products formed is determined by the amount of reactants available.
Future Research Directions
Future research directions in combustion reactions include:
- Development of New Fuels: The development of new fuels that are more efficient and produce fewer emissions.
- Improvement of Combustion Efficiency: The improvement of combustion efficiency to reduce emissions and increase energy production.
- Development of New Combustion Technologies: The development of new combustion technologies that are more efficient and produce fewer emissions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, combustion reactions are an important class of chemical reactions that have many applications in various fields. The limiting reactant in a combustion reaction is determined by the mole ratio of the reactants to the mole ratio of the products, and the amount of products formed is determined by the amount of reactants available. Future research directions in combustion reactions include the development of new fuels, improvement of combustion efficiency, and development of new combustion technologies.
Q: What is a combustion reaction?
A: A combustion reaction is a type of chemical reaction that involves the reaction of a substance with oxygen, resulting in the release of heat and light.
Q: What are some common examples of combustion reactions?
A: Some common examples of combustion reactions include:
- Burning of gasoline in a car engine
- Burning of natural gas in a furnace
- Burning of wood in a fireplace
- Burning of coal in a power plant
Q: What is the difference between a combustion reaction and an oxidation reaction?
A: A combustion reaction is a type of oxidation reaction, but not all oxidation reactions are combustion reactions. Oxidation reactions involve the loss of electrons, while combustion reactions involve the reaction of a substance with oxygen.
Q: What is the limiting reactant in a combustion reaction?
A: The limiting reactant in a combustion reaction is the reactant that is present in the smallest amount. This reactant determines the amount of products that can be formed.
Q: How do you determine the limiting reactant in a combustion reaction?
A: To determine the limiting reactant in a combustion reaction, you need to compare the mole ratio of the reactants to the mole ratio of the products. The reactant with the smallest mole ratio is the limiting reactant.
Q: What is the role of oxygen in a combustion reaction?
A: Oxygen plays a crucial role in a combustion reaction. It is the reactant that reacts with the fuel to produce heat and light.
Q: Can a combustion reaction occur without oxygen?
A: No, a combustion reaction cannot occur without oxygen. Oxygen is a necessary reactant for a combustion reaction to occur.
Q: What are some safety precautions to take when working with combustion reactions?
A: Some safety precautions to take when working with combustion reactions include:
- Working in a well-ventilated area
- Avoiding the use of open flames or sparks
- Using protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles
- Following proper procedures for handling fuels and other reactants
Q: What are some common applications of combustion reactions?
A: Some common applications of combustion reactions include:
- Energy production
- Industrial processes
- Transportation
- Medical applications
Q: Can combustion reactions be used to produce clean energy?
A: Yes, combustion reactions can be used to produce clean energy. For example, combustion reactions can be used to produce electricity from natural gas or other fuels.
Q: What are some challenges associated with combustion reactions?
A: Some challenges associated with combustion reactions include:
- Emissions of pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and particulate matter
- Safety concerns, such as the risk of fires or explosions
- Efficiency concerns, such as the need to optimize combustion conditions to maximize energy production.
Q: How can combustion reactions be optimized to improve efficiency and reduce emissions?
A: Combustion reactions can be optimized to improve efficiency and reduce emissions by:
- Using advanced combustion technologies, such as gas turbines or fuel cells
- Optimizing combustion conditions, such as temperature and pressure
- Using fuels that are more efficient and produce fewer emissions.
Q: What is the future of combustion reactions?
A: The future of combustion reactions is likely to involve the development of new fuels and combustion technologies that are more efficient and produce fewer emissions. Additionally, combustion reactions may be used in conjunction with other energy production methods, such as solar or wind power, to produce clean energy.