utane, C4H10, reacts with oxygen, O2, to form water, H2O, and carbon dioxide, CO

Question

utane, C4H10, reacts with oxygen, O2, to form water, H2O, and carbon dioxide, CO2, as shown in the following chemical equation:

2C4H10(g)+13O2(g)10H2O(g)+8CO2(g)

The coefficients in this equation represent mole ratios. Notice that the coefficient for water (10) is five times that of butane (2). Thus, the number of moles of water produced is five times the number of moles of butane that react.

Also, notice that the coefficient for butane (2) is one-fourth the coefficient of carbon dioxide (8). Thus, the number of moles of butane that react is one-fourth the number of moles of carbon dioxide that you produce.

But be careful! If you are given the mass of a compound, you must first convert to moles before applying these ratios.

Part A

What is the molar mass of butane, C4H10?

Express your answer to four significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Explanation / Answer

Part A

Molar mass of C4H10

Atomic mass of carbon, C = 12.01 g/mol

Atomic mass of hydrogen, H = 1.00 g/mol

Molar mass of butane, C4H10 = 4 x 12.01 + 10 x 1.00 = 58.04 g/mol.

Molar mass is the weight of the one mole of that substance. So one mole of butane weighs 58.04 grams.

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