Question

1. Carbon monoxide is used in refining iron ore to produce the metal. How many grams of iron would be produced if 5.0 mol of carbon monoxide were exposed to 800 grams of iron (III) oxide? Fe2O3+3CO --> 2Fe+3CO2

Please show the math work and identify the type of reaction in this equation.

Answer 1

Fe2O3 moles = mass of Fe2O3 / ( molar mass of Fe2O3)

           = ( 800g) / ( 159.69g/mol) = 5 mol

as per reaction CO moles needed = 3 times of Fe2O3 moles = 5 x 3 = 15 but we have only 5 mol CO

Hence CO is limiting reagent as its moles are relatively less. Product moles depend on CO

Fe moles produced = ( 2/3) CO moles = ( 2/3) ( 5) = 3.33 mol

Fe mass = moles x molar mass of Fe

= 3.33 mol x 55.845 g/mol = 186 g