Question

The equation

2Al(s) + 3/2 O₂ → Al₂O₃(s)

shows that

(a) 2 g of aluminium react with 3/2 g of oxygen to produce 1 g of aluminium oxide.

(b) 2 g of aluminium react with 3/2 litres of oxygen to produce 1 g of aluminium oxide.

(c) 2 moles of aluminium react with 3/2 moles of oxygen to produce one mole of aluminium oxide.

(d) 2 moles of aluminium react with 3/2 moles of oxygen to produce 7/2 moles of aluminium oxide.

Answer 1

(c) 2 moles of aluminium react with 3/2 moles of oxygen to produce one mole of aluminium oxide.

The equation, 2Al(s) + 3/2 ​O₂​(g) → Al_2​O₃​(s) shows that 2 moles of Al react with 3​/2 moles of O₂​ to produce 1 mole of Al₂​O₃​.

The coefficients in the balanced chemical equation represent the number of moles of various species.