A Web site on fireworks provides directions for preparing potassium nitrate, KNO

Question

A Web site on fireworks provides directions for preparing potassium nitrate, KNO3, by using potassium carbonate and ammonium nitrate according to the following equation:

          K2CO3 + 2 NH4NO3 2 KNO3 + CO2 + H2O + NH3

          The directions claim that one should “mix one kilogram of potassium carbonate with two kilograms of ammonium nitrate. The carbon dioxide and ammonia come off as gases, and the water can be evaporated, leaving two kilograms of pure potassium nitrate.” Use information from this lesson to evaluate the claim

Explanation / Answer

K2CO3 + 2 NH4NO3 -----------------> 2 KNO3 + CO2 + H2O + NH3

1 mol 2 mol 2 mol

138 g 160 g 202 g

here

1 mol K2CO3 with 2 mol NH4NO3 gives 2 moles of KNO3.

0.138 kg K2CO3 and 0.160 kg NH4NO3 gives 0.202 kg of KNO3.

the above given claim is wrong . because 1 kg of K2CO3 and 2 Kg of NH4NO3 gives 2 Kg of KNO3 is not possible according to the balanced reaction.

that is in moles only .

if we mention in Kg s then it will be converted to grams. based on their molecular weights.

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