Calculating the Grams of Al2O3 Produced from 2.5g of Aluminum Metal

Introduction

Understanding the relationship between the mass of reactants and the products in a chemical reaction is crucial in both chemistry and industrial applications. One common stoichiometric example involves the reaction of aluminum with oxygen to form aluminum oxide (Al2O3). This article will guide you through calculating how many grams of Al2O3 can be produced from 2.5 grams of aluminum metal.

The Stoichiometric Reaction

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between aluminum metal and oxygen gas to form aluminum oxide is:

4 Al (s) 3 O2 (g) → 2 Al2O3 (s)

This equation tells us that 4 moles of aluminum react with 3 moles of oxygen to produce 2 moles of aluminum oxide.

Step-by-Step Calculation

To calculate the grams of Al2O3 produced from 2.5 grams of aluminum metal, follow these steps:

Convert the given mass of aluminum to moles. The molar mass of aluminum (Al) is approximately 26.98 grams per mole.

grams of Al 2.5 g moles of Al frac{2.5 , text{g}}{26.98 , text{g/mol}} approx 0.0927 , text{mol}

Determine the moles of Al2O3 produced. According to the balanced equation, 4 moles of Al produce 2 moles of Al2O3.

Moles of Al2O3 frac{0.0927 , text{mol Al}}{4} times 2 approx 0.04635 , text{mol}

Convert moles of Al2O3 to grams. The molar mass of Al2O3 (aluminum oxide) is the sum of the molar masses of its constituent atoms:

Molar mass of Al2O3 2(26.98 , text{g/mol}) 3(16.00 , text{g/mol}) approx 101.96 , text{g/mol}

grams of Al2O3 0.04635 , text{mol} times 101.96 , text{g/mol} approx 4.73 , text{g}

Conclusion

Given 2.5 grams of aluminum metal, the theoretical yield of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is approximately 4.73 grams. This means, for every 2.5 grams of aluminum, around 4.73 grams of aluminum oxide can be produced via the given stoichiometric conditions.

Related Concepts and Further Study

To deepen your understanding, consider exploring related concepts such as:

Stoichiometry: Understanding the quantitative relationships in chemical reactions.

Balanced Equations: Ensuring the law of conservation of mass is followed in chemical reactions.

Molar Mass Calculation: Using the atomic masses to determine the molar mass of any compound.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the molar mass of aluminum (Al)?

A: The molar mass of aluminum is approximately 26.98 grams per mole.

Q: What is the molar mass of aluminum oxide (Al2O3)?

A: The molar mass of Al2O3 is approximately 101.96 grams per mole.

Q: How does the balanced chemical equation help in calculating the yield?

A: The balanced equation provides the mole ratio between reactants and products, which is essential for calculating the theoretical yield of the product.