Under certain conditions, natural gas (methane, CH4) will react with a limited supply of oxygen to yield a mixture of soot (C(s)), carbon monoxide, and water, but no other products. This is commonly known as an incomplete combustion. If the number of carbon atoms in the soot that forms is always three times the number of carbon monoxide molecules that are produced, how many oxygen molecules react with 9 molecules of methane

Answer :

dsdrajlin

Answer:

10 molecule O₂

Explanation:

Step 1: Write the balanced equation for the incomplete combustion of methane

We need to consider that the number of carbon atoms in the soot that forms is always three times the number of carbon monoxide molecules that are produced.

8 CH₄ + 9 O₂ ⇒ 6 C + 2 CO + 16 H₂O

Step 2: Calculate the number of molecules of oxygen required to react with 9 molecules of methane

According to the balanced equation, the molecule ratio of CH₄ to O₂ is 8:9.

9 molecule CH₄ × 9 molecule O₂/8 molecule CH₄ ≈ 10 molecule O₂

The required oxygen molecules react with 9 molecules of methane is 10.

What is combustion reaction?

Those reaction in which fuel on reacting with oxygen produces water molecule and carbon dioxide is known as combustion reaction.

In the given question incomplete combustion of methane takes place which produces carbon monoxide, soot and water molecule. Also the number of carbon atoms in the soot that forms is always three times the number of carbon monoxide. Completed balanced equation for the combustion is represented as follow:

8CH₄ + 9O₂ ⇒ 6C + 2CO + 16H₂O

From the stoichiometry of the reaction it is clear that:

1 mole of CH₄ = react with 9 molecules of O₂

9 moles of CH₄ = react with 9/8×9=10 molecules of O₂

Hence required molecules of oxygens are 10.

To know more about incomplete combustion, visit the below link:

https://brainly.com/question/3255416

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