Reacting mass / 1

Chapter 12 Reacting mass

Objective:
 Understand the quantitative relationship the reactant and product in a reaction
 Define, formula mass, molecular mass, Avogadro constant, mole and molar mass
 Calculate the percentage by mass of an element in a compound
 Determine the empirical formula of a compound from experimental data
 Perform calculations related to moles and reacting masses

(A) Introduction

Qualitative analysis – identify a given sample

e.g. flame test for sodium; litmus paper to test whether solution is acidic or alkali
Na - golden yellow, K-lilac, Ca- brick red; Cu - bluish green
Quantitative analysis – determine the quantity of a given sample
e.g. mass of the elements in a compound, amount of each substance present in a
sample.

(a) The carbon-12 scale

The carbon-12 isotope has been chosen as the reference standard for comparing masses
of atoms.
On the 12C = 12.000 00 scale or (a.m.u.)

where a.m.u. = atomic mass unit

(b) Relative isotopic mass

Relative isotopic mass = Mass of an isotope on the 12C =12.000 00 scale

Relative isotopic mass  mass number

e.g. What are the relative isotopic masses of the following isotopes?
(i) 20 X (ii) 22 Y (iii) 2He Ans: (i) 20 (ii) 22 (iii) not known

(c) Relative atomic mass

The RELATIVE ATOMIC MASS of an element is the weighted average of the

relative isotopic masses of its natural isotopes on the 12C = 12.000 00 scale.

The relative atomic mass of an element is determined by:

relative isotopic masses
(1) the _________________________________and
relative abundance
(2) the _________________________of the natural isotopes present in the element.

e.g. For an element consisting of 3 isotopes A, B and C:

Relative atomic mass = a% × MA + b% × MB + c% × MC

where a%, b%, c% = percentage abundance of isotopes A, B and C respectively

MA, MB, MC = isotopic masses of isotopes A, B and C respectively
 Reacting mass / 2

e.g.
Given that an element X have two isotopes. Complete the table, determine y value and
calculate the relative atomic mass of X.

Isotope Atomic No No. of neutron Relative abundance

20
X 10 10 90
Y
X 10 12 10
Y = 10 + 12 = 22
Relative atomic mass of X
= (20 x 90 + 22 x 10)/100
= 20.2

(d) Relative molecular mass (or Molecular mass)

Relative molecular mass - Mass of one molecule of it on the 12C =12.000 00 scale

Sum of relative atomic masses of

Relative molecular mass of
= all atoms present in a molecule of
an element or a compound
exist as molecule the substance

e.g. Relative molecular mass of water (H2O)

= 1.0 × 2 + 16.0 = 18.0.
Given that relative atomic masses of H = 1.0; O = 16.0

(e) Relative formula mass (or Formula mass)

Some compounds (such as ionic compounds) do not consist of molecules. For these, we
use formula mass.
formula mass - mass of one formula unit of it on the 12C =12.000 00 scale

Sum of relative atomic masses of

Formula mass of a
= all atoms present in a formula unit
substance (or species)
of the substance

e.g.
Formula mass of Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) Formula mass of H3O+
= 24.3 + 35.5 × 2 = 95.3. = 1 x 3 + 16 = 19

(Note: Never speak of the relative molecular mass of magnesium chloride, as there are
no molecules in this compound.)
 Reacting mass / 3

Classwork

1. What is the relative molecular mass of

(a) CH4 Ans: 12.0 + 1.0  4 = 16.0
(b) C2H6 Ans: 12.0  2 + 1.0  6 = 30.0
(c) C12H22O11 ? Ans: 12.0  12 + 1.0  22 + 16.0  11 = 342.0

2. Calculate the formula mass of

(a) NaCl Ans: 23.0 + 35.5 = 58.5
(b) C2H6 Ans: 12.0  2 + 1.0  6 = 30.0
(c) CO3 2-
Ans: 12.0 + 16.0  3 = 60.0
(d) Cu(NO3)2  3H2O Ans: ------
63.0 + (14.0 + 16.0  3)  2 + 3  (1.0  2 + 16.0)
= 241.5 63.5

3. Complete the following table.

Symbol / Relative atomic mass Formula mass / relative
Substance
formula of all element present molecular mass
Hydrogen
H H = 1.0 — or 1
atom

Hydrogen gas H2 H = 1.0 1.0  2 = 2.0

Calcium Ca Ca = 40.1 — or 40.1

Sodium Na = 23.0
NaCl 23.0 + 35.5 = 58.5
chloride Cl = 35.5
H = 1.0
Sulphuric 1.0  2 + 32.1 + 16.0  4
H2SO4 S = 32.1
acid = 98.1
O = 16.0
O = 16.0
Magnesium 24.3 + (16.0 + 1.0)  2
Mg(OH)2 H = 1.0
hydroxide = 58.3
Mg = 24.3

(B) The mole concept

The mole concept related no. of particles and mass of particles together.

(a) Mole and Avogadro constant

Chemists use a very special unit, called mole (abbreviation: mol) to show the number
of formula units. One mole contains a large number of particles, 6.02 × 1023.

This number is called Avogadro constant (L).

Thus L = 6.02 × 1023 mol-1.

e.g. one dozen of eggs = 12 eggs

one ream of paper = 500 sheets of paper
one mole of atoms = 6.02 x 1023 atoms
 Reacting mass / 4

The number of atoms in exactly 12.0 g of carbon-12 is 6.02 × 1023 and chemists choose
this as the reference unit.

One MOLE (mol) of a substance (or species)

= the number of atoms in exactly 12.0 g of carbon-12.
= 6.02 x 1023 formula units

e.g.
1 mole of 12C atoms => 6.02 x 1023 12C atom

0.5 mole of MgCl2 => 0.5 x 6.02 x 1023 => 3.01 x 1023 MgCl2 formula unit
Since 1 formula unit of MgCl2 contains 1 Mg2+ and 2 Cl- ion
So there is 3.01 x 1023 Mg2+ ion
and 3.01 x 1023 x 2 => 6.02 x 1023 Cl- ion

Classwork

1. What is the no. of NO3- ion in 0.3 moles of magnesium nitrate?

No. of formula unit = no. of mole x Avogadro constant
No. of Mg(NO3)2 formula unit = 0.3 x L = 0.3 x 6.02 x 1023
Since one formula unit of Mg(NO3)2 has two NO3- ion
So No. of NO3- ion = 2 x 0.3 x 6.02 x 1023 = 3.612 x 1023
[1M] [1M]

2. What is the no. of C atoms in 0.4 moles glucose (C6H12O6)?

No. of glucose molecule = no. of mole x L = 0.4 x 6.02 x 1023

Since 1 glucose molecule have 6 carbon atom
No. of carbon atom present = 0.4 x 6.02 x 1023 x 6 = 1.4448 x 1024 atoms//
1.445 x 1024 3-4 sig fig.

Cl2
24
3. What is the no. of mole of Cl atom in 1.2 x 10 chlorine molecule?
No of mole of Cl = no. of Cl atom / L = 1.2 x 1024 / 6.02 x 1023 =--------
1.99 //
3.99 mol
2x

(b) Molar mass of a substance

The MOLAR MASS of a substance is the mass in grams of one mole of the substance.
(Unit of molar mass: g mol-1)

Molar mass = numerical value of molecular mass or formula mass in g mol-1

e.g. molecular mass of H2O = 1 x 2 + 16 = 18

Molar mass of H2O = 18 g mol-1

Formula mass of MgCl2 = 24.3 + 35.5 x 2 = 75.3

Molar mass of MgCl2 = 75.3 g mol-1
 Reacting mass / 5

Classwork

1. (a) Calculate the formula mass of Fe2(SO4)3.

Formula mass of Fe2(SO4)3 = 55.8  2 + (32.1 + 16.0  4)  3 = 399.9

(b) What is the molar mass of Fe2(SO4)3?

The molar mass of Fe2(SO4)3 = 399.9 g mol-1

(c) What is the mass of 0.2000 moles of Fe2(SO4)3?

The mass of 0.20 moles of Fe2(SO4)3 = 399.9  0.2000 = 79.98 g

2. Calculate the number of atoms in 27.0 g of pure silver and the mass of one Ag atom.

Molar mass of Ag = 107.9 g mol-1

No of mole of Ag atoms = mass (g) / molar mass (g mol-1) = 27.0 / 107.9
No. of Ag atoms = no. of mole x L = (27.0/107.9) x 6.02 x 1023 = 1.51 x 1023 //
107.9
Mass of one Ag atom = molar mass of Ag / L = 108 / (6.02 x 1023)
= 1.79 x 10-22 g //
OR Mass of one Ag atom = 27.0 / (1.51 x 1023) = 1.79 x 10-22 g //

(c) Summary of equation related to mole

molar mass of a species = formula mass expressed in g mol-1

e.g. Mass of one hydrogen (H 2 ) molecule in grams =

(1x2)/(6.02 x 1023 )
 Reacting mass / 6

Classwork

1. Calculate the mass of

(a) 0.200 mol of chlorine atoms.
(b) 0.200 mol of chlorine molecules. chlorine gas Cl2 0.12 mol
(c) chlorine which contains the same number of molecules as there are in 1.20 mol of
water.
(d) chlorine atom which contains the same number of atoms as there are in 0.12 mole of water molecule.
(a) Mass = no. of mole x molar mass of Cl = 0.2 x (35.5) = 7.1 g
(b) Mass = no. of mole x molar mass of Cl2 = 0.2 x (35.5x2) = 14.2 g
(c) Mass = no. of mole x molar mass of Cl2 = 0.12 x (35.5x2) = 8.52 g
(d) Mass of Cl = no. of moles of atoms x molar mass of Cl = 0.12 x 3 x 35.5 = 12.78 g //

2. Complete the following table.

mass = no. of mole x molar mass

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

Molar mass = 23 + 16+1 = 40 g mol-1 //
Mass = no. of mole x molar mass = 0.25 x 40 = 10 g //
No. of formula unit = no. of mole x L = 0.25 x 6.02 x 1023 = 1.505 x 1023 //

Helium (He)
Molar mass = 4 g mol-1 //
No. of mole = mass / molar mass = 0.2 / 4 = 0.05 mol //
No. of formula unit = no. of mole x L = 0.05 x 6.02 x 1023 = 3.01 x 1022 //

Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

Molar mass = 32.1 + 16x2 = 64.1 g mol-1//
No. of mole = no. of formula unit / L = 3.01 x 1024 / 6.02 x 1023 = 5 mol //
Mass of SO2 = no. of mole x molar mass = 5 x 64.1 = 320.5 g //

Compound X
Molar mass = 23 / 0.5 = 46
No. of mole = no. of formula unit / L = 3.01 x 1023 / 6.02 x 1023 = 0.5 mol //
Mass of X = no. of mole x molar mass = 0.5 x 23 = 11.5 g //
 Reacting mass / 7

(d) Percentage by mass of element A in compound

e.g. (a) Calculate the percentage by mass of copper, sulphur, oxygen and hydrogen in
copper(II) sulphate-5-water, CuSO4  5H2O.
(b) Find mass of water of crystallization in 15.0 g of copper(II) sulphate-5-water.
(c) Find the
Solution:
mass of Formula mass of CuSO4  5H2O e.g. The formula of ammonium nitrate is NH 4 NO3
Please calculate the % by mass of N, H and O in this
sulphate ion in Cu S O4 5H2O
= 63.5 + 32.1 +16.0  4 + 5 (1.0  2 + 16.0) compound?
15.0 g of = 249.6 % by mass of N
copper(II) = (14 x 2) / (14 + 1 x 4 + 14 + 16 x 3) x 100 % = 35 %
% by mass of H
sulphate-5- % by mass of Cu = 25.4%
= (1x4) / (14 + 1 x 4 + 14 + 16 x 3) x 100 % = 5 %
water. % by mass of O =
= (3x16) / (14 + 1 x 4 + 14 + 16 x 3) x 100 % = 60 %

Fraction by mass of water in the hydrated salt

(c) Mass of sulphate ion in 15 g copper(II) sulphate-5-water CuSO4 . 5H2O

= [15.0 x 1 x (32.1+16x4)] / 249.6 = 5.77 g//

Classwork
Find the mass of oxide ion in the 10 g of Al2O3 . 2 H2O
Mass of oxide = (10 g) x (3 x 16) / [27 x 2 + 16 x 3 + 2 x (1 x 2 +16)] = 3.48 g
 Reacting mass / 8

Classwork

1. Calculate the % by mass of C, H and O in C6H5OH.

Formula mass = 94
Molar mass of C6H5OH = 12 x 6 + 1 x 6 + 16 = 94 g mol-1
% by mass of C = (6 x 12 / 94) x 100 % = 76.6 %
% by mass of H = (6 x 1 / 94) x 100 % = 6.4 %
% by mass of O = (1 x 16 / 94) x 100 % = 17.0 %

relative
2 Calculate the % by mass of X in X2O3  2 H2O if the atomic mass of X = 26.

Molar mass of X2O3 . 2 H2O = 26 x 2 + 16 x 3 + 2 x (16 + 1 x 2) = 136 g mol-1

% by mass of X = (26 x 2 / 136) x 100 % = 38.2 % //

(e) Relative atomic mass of an element from a formula

Relative atomic mass of an element may be calculated from formula of its compound
and percentage mass of the element in the compound.

e.g. The chloride of a metal M has the formula MCl3 and contains 34.4% by mass of M.
Find the relative atomic mass of M.

Classwork

1. The compound X2S contains 58.9 % of X by mass. What is the relative atomic mass of
X ? (Relative atomic mass : S = 32.1)
A. 11.5 58.9/100 = [a / (2a+32.1)], so a = 23 //
B. 23.0
C. 39.0
D. 46.0 Ans: B 1999(II)17 (Relative atomic mass from formula)

2. An oxide of element X has the formula X2O3. 10.2 g of this oxide contains 5.4 g of X.
What is the relative atomic mass of X? (Relative atomic mass : O = 16.0 )
A. 12.0 Let the relative atomic mass of X be a
B. 18.0
C. 27.0 5.4/10.2 = [2a/(2a+16 x 3)] , so a = 27
D. 36.0 Ans: C 2002(II)3 (Relative atomic mass from formula
 Reacting mass / 9

(f) Chemical formulae of compounds

1. Empirical formula

- shows the simplest whole number ratio of the atoms or ions present
- applicable to all compounds
Na, C, O3, NaCl, MgCl2, (NH4)2SO4, CH4, HO
2. Ionic formula

- shows the simplest whole number ratio of the ions present and the charges carried
by them + -
- only applicable to ionic compounds Na Cl , Mg2+(Cl-)2

3. Molecular formula

- shows the actual number of each kind of atoms in one molecule of the substance
- only applicable to molecular compounds and elements consisting of molecules
e.g.
Molecular compounds Ionic compounds
Molecular formula / Ionic formula H2O2 C4H10 CH4 Cu2+ (Cl-)2
Empirical formula HO C2H5 CH4 CuCl2
4. Structural formula butane C4 H 10

- shows how the constituent atoms are joined up in one molecule of the substance or
polyatomic ions
e.g. H-O-H Hydrogen peroxide : H-O-O-H
(g) Calculation of empirical formula S2Cl2 Cl-S-S-Cl
It can be calculated from
(1) the composition by mass,
(2) the combustion data (oxidation of metal to metal oxide or combustion of organic
compound)
(3) reduction of metal oxides

(1) From Composition by Mass

e.g. A compound X containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen was found to contain
40.0% carbon and 6.7% hydrogen by mass. Determine the empirical formula of X.
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, C = 12.0, O = 16.0)
Percentage by mass of oxygen in compound X
= 100 % – 40.0 % – 6.7 % = 53.3 % Let the mass of X used be 100 g.

[1M]

The empirical formula of compound X is CH2O. [1M]

 Reacting mass / 10

Classwork

Find the empirical formula (simplest formula) for the compounds having the following
composition by mass:
(a) C H
(a) 92.3 % carbon; 7.7 % hydrogen
mass (g) 92.3 7.7
Empirical formula = CH no. of mole 92.3/12 7.7/1
=7.68 =7.7
mole ratio 1 1 [1M]
(b) 47 % chlorine, 53 % oxygen
Empirical formula = CH [1M]
Empirical formula = Cl2O5 (b) Cl O
no. of moles 47/35.5 53/16
(2) From Reduction of Metal Oxides = 1.32 =3.31
mole ratio 1.32/1.32 =1 3.31/1.32= 2.51
Experimental Method =2 =5
Determination of the Empirical Formula of Black Copper Oxide
Empirical formula = Cl2 O5 [1M]

1. A weighed mass of black copper oxide is heated in a boiling tube.

2. Town gas is then passed over it until all the black solid changes to a reddish brown
solid. Town gas contains carbon monoxide gas (toxic and flammable) and
hydrogen gas (flammable) which reduce the copper oxide to copper.

3. Weigh the set-up with boiling tube after cooling

Experimental results:
Mass of boiling tube = 21.030 g
Mass of boiling tube + copper oxide = 22.934 g
Mass of boiling tube + copper = 22.550 g
Calculations:
Mass of copper in copper oxide = 22.550 – 21.030 = 1.520 g
Mass of oxygen in copper oxide = 22.934 – 22.550 = 0.384 g

[1M]
 The empirical formula of black copper oxide is CuO. [1M]
 Reacting mass / 11

(a) Why is it needed to pass the town gas over the oxide before and after the
experiment?
Before experiment: To flush the air out because a town gas and air mixture may
explode on ignition. [1M]
After experiment: To prevent oxidation of the copper by air again. [1M]

(b) Write appropriate equations to account for the change.

CuO(s) + CO(g) → Cu(s) + CO2(g) [1M]
CuO(s) + H2(g) → Cu(s) + H2O(l) [1M]

(c) List TWO potential hazards of this experiment.

Town gas is toxic (carbon monoxide) and flammable (hydrogen+CO). [1+1M]
(1) heating the copper oxide until there is no further colour change.

(2) From Combustion Data (2) After weighing of tube with product copper, repeat the heating
process again until a constant mass of product is obtained.
Experimental method
Determination of the Empirical Formula of Magnesium oxide black MgS coating
1. A piece of magnesium ribbon is rubbed with sandpaper to remove the coating
2. The ribbon is placed in a crucible. The crucible containing magnesium and its
lid are weighed
3. The crucible is then heated strongly until all the magnesium changes to white
powder
4. Magnesium reacts with oxygen gas in air to form magnesium oxide

Experimental results:
Mass of crucible + glass wool + lid
(rocksil) = 26.431 g
Mass of crucible + glass wool + lid + magnesium
= 26.642 g
Mass of crucible + glass wool + lid + magnesium
oxide
= 26.780 g
Calculations:
Mass of Mg in magnesium oxide
= 26.642 – 26.431 = 0.211 g
Mass of oxygen in magnesium oxide
= 26.780 – 26.642 = 0.138 g

[1M]
 The empirical formula of magnesium oxide is MgO. [1M]
 methane CH 4 , tetrachloromethane CCl4
Reacting mass / 12
Carbon containing compound except CO, CO2 , carbonic acid, metal
(3) Combustion of Organic Compounds
carbonate, metal hydrogencarbonate and cyanide.
- When organic compounds undergo complete combustion, they react with O2 to
form CO2 & H2O

e.g. A compound X contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen only. It is burnt in excess
oxygen/air as shown in the diagram below. Anhydrous calcium chloride is used to
absorb water vapour while sodium hydroxide is used to absorb carbon dioxide.

these U-tubes cannot exchange their position

Experimental results: because NaOH (s) can absorb water.
Mass of glass tube = 25.010 g
Mass of glass tube + X = 25.561 g
Mass of U-tube + anhydrous CaCl2 before experiment = 72.240 g
Mass of U-tube + anhydrous CaCl2 after experiment = 72.888 g
Mass of U-tube + NaOH before experiment = 68.560 g
Mass of U-tube + NaOH after experiment = 69.612 g

Calculations:
Mass of X used = 25.561 – 25.010 = 0.551 g mass of CO2 = 1.052 g
Mass of water absorbed = 72.888 – 72.240 = 0.648 g mass of carbon
Mass of carbon dioxide absorbed = 1.052 x 12/(12+16x2)
= 69.612 – 68.560 = 1.052 g
Molar mass of carbon dioxide mass of H2 O = 0.684
–1
= 12.0 + 16.0 × 2 = 44.0 g mol mass of H in compound X =
Mass of carbon in the sample of X= 1.052 x 12 / 44 = 0.287 g mass of H in H2O formed = 0.684
Molar mass of water = 1.0 × 2 + 16.0 = 18.0 g mol–1 x 1 x 2 / (16 + 1 x 2)
Mass of hydrogen in the sample of X = 0.684 x 2 / 18 = 0.072 g
Mass of oxygen in the sample of X= 0.551 – 0.287 – 0.072 = 0.192 g

(We should use subtraction of mass of X with mass of H in X and mass of C in X to

found out mass of O in X instead of using mass of H2O to find out the mass of O
because some O in CO2 and H2O is come from O2 gas used instead of compound
X)

 The empirical formula of X is C2H6O.

 Reacting mass / 13

Classwork

1. How do we ensure that the experiment for reduction or combustion is completed?

Repeat the heating and reweigh the set-up and the product
If the mass of the set-up and product remains unchanged, the reaction is
completed.

2. A compound has the empirical formula CxHy. On analysis, 1.000 g of the

compound is found to contain 0.857 g of carbon. Find values of x and y.

3. 2 moles of atoms of X combines with 16 g of oxygen to form an oxide. The

empirical formula of this oxide is
(Relative atomic mass: O = 16.0)
A XO.
B XO2.
C XO3.
D. X2O. Ans: D

4. A compound is formed when 71 g of chlorine is combined with 48 g of oxygen.

What is the empirical formula of the compound?
(Relative atomic masses: O = 16.0, Cl = 35.5)
A ClO
B ClO2
C Cl2O
D Cl2O3 Ans: D

5. What is the empirical formula of a compound with the following composition by

mass?
Na = 36.5 % S = 25.4 % O = 38.1 %
(Relative atomic masses: O = 16.0, Na = 23.0, S = 32.0)
A NaSO3
B NaSO4
C Na2SO3
D Na2SO4 Ans: C
 Reacting mass / 14

(i) Determination the molecular formula from the empirical formula and molecular mass

Molecular formula may be determined from empirical formula and relative

molecular mass. This is because molecular formula is a whole number multiple of
empirical formula.
e.g. A compound has an empirical formula CH2 and a relative molecular mass of 42. Find
its molecular formula.
Let the molecular formula of the compound be (CH2)n, where n is a whole
number.
Relative molecular mass of (CH2)n = 42
n(12 + 1  2) = 42
n =3
 the molecular formula is (CH2)3, i.e. C3H6.
Classwork

1. Compound X was found to contain carbon and hydrogen only. Quantitative

analysis showed that it contained 80% carbon and 20% hydrogen by mass. If its
relative molecular mass was 30.0, find its empirical formula and molecular
formula.
Assume there were100 g of X, then there would be 80 g of carbon and 20 g of
hydrogen

 the empirical formula of X is CH3.

Let its molecular formula be (CH3)n, where n is the whole number.
Relative molecular mass of (CH3)n = 30.3
n (12.0 + 1.0  3) = 30.0
15.0n = 30.0
 n=2
 molecular formula of X is C2H6.

2. A compound X containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen burned completely

in air to form carbon dioxide and water as the only products. 2.43 g of X gave 3.96
g of carbon dioxide and 1.35 g of water. Find the empirical formula of X. If its
molecular mass was 160, find also its relative molecular formula.
 Reacting mass / 15

(j) Determination the water of crystallization in hydrated salt

5.60 g of hydrated copper(II) sulphate CuSO4  nH2O were heated in a crucible to drive
off the water of crystallization. The white residue was anhydrous copper(II) sulphate,
which was found to have a mass of 3.66 g.
(a) Deduce a reasonable value for n.
(b) Explain why the answer you gave in (a) differs a bit from the value actually
calculated.
(a) Mass of water of crystallization = (5.60 - 3.66) g = 1.94 g
Formula mass of CuSO4= 63.5 + 32.1 + 16.0  4 = 159.6
Molecular mass of H2O = 1.0  2 + 16.0v= 18.0
No. of moles of CuSO4 = 3.66/159.6 = 1
No. of moles of H2O 1.94/18 n
=> n = 4.72 =5
Since n should be a whole number. A reasonable value of n would therefore be 5.

(b) The experimental value of n (4.72) is lower than 5. This might be due to two
reasons:
(1) Not all water of crystallization has been removed in the heating process.
(2) Weighing had been delayed, so that the anhydrous salt had absorbed some
moisture from the atmosphere.
(3) Anhydrous copper (II) sulphate may decompose upon strong heating.
Classwork
5.0
1. 10.1 g of hydrated calcium chloride (CaCl2•nH2O) gives 1.07 g of water on strong
heating. Find the value of n.
Number of moles of CaCl2 = (10.1-5.0) ÷ (40.1+2x35.5) = 1
Number of moles of H2O 1.07 ÷ (16.0 +2x1) n
So n=1 6.05 = 6 5.0

2. A hydrated salt of copper contains 63.9% by mass of the anhydrous salt. The
anhydrous salt has the following percentage composition by mass: copper 39.8%;
sulphur 20.0%; oxygen 40.2%. Find the empirical formula of the hydrated salt.
Suppose there are 100 g of anhydrous salt.
Copper Sulphur Oxygen
Mass of element 39.8 g 20.0 g 40.2 g
Number of moles
39.8 ÷ 63.5 20.0 ÷ 32.0 40.2 ÷ 16.0
of atom that
= 0.627 mol = 0.625 mol = 2.513 mol
combine
Simplest ratio of 0.627 ÷ 0.625 0.625 ÷ 0.625 2.513 ÷ 0.625
atoms = 1.003 =1 = 4.02 [1M]
So the empirical formula of the anhydrous salt is CuSO4. [1M]
Number of moles of CuSO4 = 63.9 ÷ (63.5+32.1+16x4) = 1
Number of moles of H2O (100-63.9)÷ (16+2x1) n [1M]
So n = 5
So the formula of the hydrated salt is CuSO4 5 H2O [1M]
 Reacting mass / 16

(j) Determination of Reacting Masses from Chemical Equations

The theoretical amounts of substances used up or produced in a reaction can be

calculated from its balanced equation.
(1) Write down the balanced equation for the reaction.
(2) Convert the amounts of given substances into mole quantities.
(3) Calculate the mole quantities using mole ratio. (ratio from the stoichiometric
coefficients)
(4) Change the mole quantities back into mass.

e.g. 1 Calculate the mass of magnesium oxide formed when 2.43 g of magnesium are
burnt with (a) excess oxygen (b) 1.28 g of oxygen

Solution: s
(a) Step 1 :2 Mg (g) + O2 (g)  2 MgO (s)
2.43 g excess ?
Step 2: No. of mole of Mg = mass of Mg (in g) / molar mass of Mg (g mol-1)
= 2.43 / 24.3 = 0.1 mol
Step 3: Since oxygen is in excess, no. of mole of MgO formed depends on Mg used.
1 mole of Mg form 1 mole of MgO
No. of moles of MgO formed = 0.1 mol
Step 4: Molar mass of MgO = 24.3 + 16 = 40.3 g mol-1
Mass of MgO = no. of mole of MgO x molar mass of MgO = 0.1 x 40.3 = 4.03 g //

(b) Step 2: Molar mass of O2 = 16 x 2 = 32 g mol-1

No. of mole of O2 = 1.28 / 32 = 0.04 mol
Step 3: From the equation, mole ratio of Mg : O2 = 2 : 1
If 0.04 mole of O2 is used up, 0.08 mole of Mg is needed which is < 0.10
mol Mg present, so Mg is in excess
2 Mg (s) + O2 (g) -> 2MgO (s)
OR 0.1 mol Mg need 0.05mol O2 to react
2.43 g 1.28g ?g 0.04 mol O2 present < 0.05 mol O2 need for complete reaction with 0.1 mol
0.1 mol 0.04 mol ? Mg, so O2 is the limiting reagent.

No. of mole of MgO depends on the limiting reagent, i.e. no. of mole of O2 present
Mole ratio of O2 : MgO = 1 : 2
So the no. of mole of MgO = 0.04 x 2/1 = 0.08 mol
Step 4: Mass of MgO formed = no. of mole of MgO x molar mass of MgO
= 0.080 x 40.3 = 3.22 g
 Reacting mass / 17

e.g. 2 Calculate the mass (in kg) of copper produced by the complete reaction of 1.59kg
of copper(II) oxide in the following reaction.
CuO (s) + H2 (g)  Cu (s) + H2O (l)
Solution 1:
Step 1: Write equation CuO (s) + H2 (g)  Cu (s) + H2O (l)
1.59 kg
Step 2: No. of mole of CuO = 1.59 x 1000 / (63.5+16) = 20.0 mol
Step 3 From the equation, 1 mole of CuO forms 1 mole of Cu
So the no. of mole of Cu formed = 20.0 mol
Step 4: Mass of Cu produced = 20.0 x 63.5 = 1270 g = 1.27 kg //
Classwork

1. 2.10 g of calcium is provided to prepare an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide.

Calculate the mass of pure water required for a complete reaction, and the masses
of calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas produced.
Solution
Step 1: Ca(s) + 2H2O(l)  Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
Step2: Number of moles of calcium = mass of calcium / molar mass of calcium
= 2.10 / 40.1 = 0.0524 mol
Step3: According to the equation , 1 mole of Ca reacts with 2 moles of H2O.
 Number of moles of H2O required = 0.0524 mol  2 = 0.1048 mol
Step4: Mass of H2O required = 0.104 8 mol  (1.0  2 + 16.0)= 1.89 g //
3 to 4 sig. fig.
According to the equation, 1 mole of Ca forms 1 mole of Ca(OH)2 and 1 mole of
H2.
 Number of moles of calcium provided = 0.0524 mol
Mass of Ca(OH)2 formed = 0.052 4 mol [40.1 + (16.0 + 1.0)  2] = 3.88 g //
Mass of H2 produced = 0.0524 (1.0  2) = 0.10 g //

2. 15.00 g of copper(II) oxide and 1.50 g of carbon powder are mixed and then
heated. Calculate the masses of copper metal and carbon dioxide gas produced.
Solution 2CuO(s) + C(s)  2Cu(s) + CO2(g)
Molar mass of CuO = 63.5 + 16.0 = 79.5 g mol–1 Molar mass of C = 12.0 g mol–1

According to the equation, 2 moles of CuO react with 1 mole C.

 0.125 mole of C needs (0.125x2)=0.25 mole of CuO for complete reaction.
However, there is only 0.1887 mole of CuO provided.
 CuO is the limiting reactant (or C is in excess).
According to the equation, 2 moles of CuO form 2 moles of Cu.
 Number of moles of CuO provided = 0.1887 mol
Mass of Cu formed = 0.1887 mol  63.5 g mol–1 = 11.98 g
According to the equation, 2 moles of CuO form 1 moles of CO2.
Number of moles of CO2 formed = (1/2)  0.1887 = 0.0944 mol
Mass of CO2 formed = 0.0944 mol  (12.0 + 16.0  2) g mol–1 = 4.15 g
 Reacting mass / 18

3. Molten aluminium oxide was electrolyzed to obtain aluminium. 5.40 g of

aluminium was obtained. Calculate the mass of oxygen gas produced and the mass
of aluminium oxide which was reacted. mole ratio of Al : O2 = 4 : 3 = 0.2 : X
X = 0.2 (3/4) = 0.15
Step 1: 2Al2O3(l)  4Al(l) + 3O2(g)
mole ratio of Al : Al2 O3 = 4：２ ＝0.2 : Y
Step 2: Number of moles of Al produced = 0.20 mol
Step3: According to the equation, 2 moles of Al2O3 forms 4 moles of Al
 Number of moles of Al2O3 reacted = (1/2)  0.20 = 0.10 mol
Step 4: Mass of Al2O3 = 0.10 x (27.0 x 2 +16.0 x 3) = 10.20 g

According to the equation, when 4 moles of Al is formed, 3 moles of O3 is formed

too.
Number of moles of O2 reacted = (3/4) x no. of mole of Al = (3/4) x 0.20 = 0.15 mol
Mass of O2 = 0.15 x (16 x 2) = 4.80 g //
4. 5.91 g of iron was dissolved in excess dilute hydrochloric acid to give a solution
containing Fe2+ ion. The solution was then boiled with concentrated nitic acid to
oxidize all Fe2+ ions into Fe3+ ions. Excess sodium hydroxide solution was added to
precipitate all Fe3+ ions as iron(III) hydroxide, Fe(OH)3. The precipitate was
filtered off, washed, dried and finally heated to convert all into iron(III) oxide,
Fe2O3.
(a) Calculate the theoretical mass of iron(III) oxide obtained.
(b) The mass of iron(III) oxide actually obtained from experiment was 7.95g.
Compare this with the theoretical mass in (a) and give two possible reasons for the
difference.
(c) Calculate the precentage yield in this experiment. Fe => Fe2 O3
mole ratio of Fe : Fe2 O3 = 2 : 1
(a) If 5.91 g of Fe is completely reacted
No. of moles of Fe used = mass of Fe / molar mass of Fe
= 5.91 / 55.8 = 0.106 mole
Since 1 mole of Fe2O3 need to use 2 moles of Fe
So the no. of mole of Fe2O3 formed = 0.106/2 = 0.053 mol
Theoretical mass of iron(III) oxide formed
= no. of moles of Fe2O3 x molar mass of Fe2O3
= 0.053 x (55.8 x 2 + 16 x 3) = 8.46 g //

(b) The actual mass (7.95g) is smaller than the theoretical mass (8.46 g) because
(1) iron used is impure
(2) There was loss of materials during various experimental process e.g. filtration.
(3) The reaction is not completed

(c) % yield = (actual mass / theoretical mass) x 100 %

= (7.95 / 8.46) x 100 % = 93.97 % //