Chemical Arithmatics

MODULE - 1
Atoms, Molecules and
Chemical Arithmatics

2
CHEMICAL ARITHMATICS

Notes

W e know that atoms of different elements combine in simple whole-number ratios to

form molecules. For example, hydrogen and oxygen atoms combine in the mass ratio of
1 : 8 and form water, H2O. However, it is impossible to deal with individual atoms because
they are so tiny that we can neither see nor weigh them. Therefore, we must increase the
size of these quantities to the point where we can see them and weigh them. With the help
of mole concept it is possible to take a desired number of atoms/molecules by weighing
(please refer to lesson-1). Now, in order to study chemical compounds and reactions in the
laboratory, it is necessary to have adequate knowledge of the quantitative relationship
among the amounts of the reacting substances that take part and products formed in the
chemical reaction. This relationship is know as stoichiometry. Stoichiometry (derived
from the Greek Stoicheion = element and metron = measure) is the term we use to refer
to all the quntatitative aspects of chemical compounds and reactions. In the present lesson,
you will see how chemical formulae* are determined and how chemical equations prove
useful in predicting the proper amounts of the reactants that must be mixed to carry out a
complete reaction. In other words we can take reactants for a reaction in such a way that
none of the reacting substances is in excess. This aspect is very vital in chemistry and has
wide application in industries.

Objectives
After reading this lesson, you will be able to :

define empirical and molecular formulae;

differentiate between empirical and molecular formulae;

calculate precentage by mass of an element in a compound and also work out empirical
formula from the percentage composition;

establish relationship between mole, mass and volume;

calculate the amount of substances consumed or formed in a chemical reaction using

a balanced equation and mole concept, and

* Formulae is plural of formula

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Chemistry

Explain that the amount of limiting reagent present initially limits the amount of the
products formed.

2.1 Molcular and Empirical Formulae

Notes

In your previous classes, you have studied how to write chemical formula of a sustance.
For example, water is represented by H2O, carbon dioxide is represented by CO2, methane
is represented by CH4, dinitrogen penta oxide is represented by N2O5, and so on. You are
aware, formula for a molecule uses a symbol and subscript number to indicate the number
of each kind of atoms present in the molcule (subscript 1 is always omitted). Such a
formula is called molecular formula as it represents a molecule of a substance. A molecule
of water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. So its molecular formula
is written as H2O. Thus a molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of
different elements in a molecule of a compound.
There is another kind of formula, the empirical formul of a compound, which gives only
relative number of atoms of different elements. These numbers are expressed as the
simplest ratio. For example, empirical formula of glucose, which consists of carbon, hydrogen
and oxygen in the ratio of 1:2:1 is CH2O (empirical formulae are also called simplest
formulae). Molecular formula of a substance is always an integral multiple of its empirical
formula (i.e. molecular formula = Xn where X is empirical formula and n is an integer). For
example molecular formula of glucose is C6H12O6 which is 6 its empirical formula.
Thus, while empirical formula gives only a ratio of atoms, the molecular formula gives the
actual number of atoms of each element in an individual molecule. In some cases the ratio
of atoms shown in a molecular formula cannot be reduced to smaller integers. In such
cases molecular and empirical formulae are the same, for example, sucrose C 12H22O11
which is popularly known as cane-sugar. In case of certain elements, a molecule consists
of several atoms for example P4, S8, etc. In such cases, empirical formula will be symbol
of the element only.
As you know, common salt, which is chemically called sodium chloride is represented as
NaCl. This salt is ionic in nature and does not exist in molecular form. Therefore, NaCl is
its empirical formula which shows that sodium and chlorine atoms are present in NaCl in the
ratio of 1:1. Similar is the case with all ionic substanes. KCl, NaNO3, MgO are examples of
empirical formulae as these are all ionic compounds. Table 2.1 provides a few more examples.
Table 2.1 Molecular and Empirical Formulae

18

Substance

Molecular formula

Empirical formula

Ammonia

NH3

NH3

Carbon dioxide

CO2

CO2

Ethane

C2H6

CH3

Fructose

C6H12O6

CH2O

Sulphur

S8

Benzene

C6H6

CH

Sodium chloride

NaCl

Calcium oxide

CaO

Chemical Arithmatics

2.2 Chemical Composition and Formulae

How much carbon is present in one kilogram of methane whose molecular formula is
CH4? How much nitrogen is present in one kilogram of ammonia, NH3? If we have
prepared a substance that is made of 58.8% carbon, 28.4% oxygen, 8.28% nitrogen and
6.56% hydrogen, what is its empirical formula? You have studied atomic masses,
formulae, and the mole concept. Can we solve the problem using these basic concepts?
The answer is yes. Atomic masses, formulae and the mole concept are the basic tools
needed to solve such problems. What is percentage composition? Let us take up this
aspect in a little detail and try to understand.

MODULE - 1
Atoms, Molecules and
Chemical Arithmatics

Notes

2.2.1 Percentage Composition

If we know the formula of a compound, we can find out how much of each of the
elements is present in a given quantity of the compound. Aluminium is obtained from its
oxide. Al2O3 (which is found as the ore, bauxite). From the formula we can calculate how
much aluminium can be obtained, at least in prinicple, from a given amount of aluminium
oxide. Calculation is done by making use of the idea of percentage composition
Percentage mass of an element in a compound
=

mass of element in one molecular formula or in one empirical formula

100
molecular mass or empirical formula mass of compound

Mass of element in 1mol of compound

100
Molar mass of compound

Let us calculate percentage composition of aluminium oxide, Al2O3

Pecentage of aluminium =

Mass of aluminium in 1 mol Al 2 O3

100
Molar mass of Al 2 O3

Molar mass of Al2O3= (2 27.0) g + (3 16.0) g = 102.0 g

Since 1 mol of Al2O3 contains 2 mol of Al atoms, the mass of Al is 2 27.0 g = 54.0 g Al
Percentage of Aluminium =

54.0 g
102.0 g 100 = 52.9 %

We can calculate percentage of oxygen in the same way. One mole of Al2O3 contains 3
mole of O atoms, that is, 3 16.0 g oxygen therefore
Percentage of oxygen =

3 16.0 g
102.0 g 100 = 47.1%

Example 2.1 : Butanoic acid, has the formula C4H8O2. What is the elemental analysis
of butanoic acid?
Solution : Molecular formula of the butanoic acid is C4H8O2.
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Chemistry
In one mole of butanoic acid there are 4 mol of carbon atoms, 8 mol of hydrogen atoms
and 2 mol of oxygen atoms. Thus, 1 molar mass of butanoic acid will be equal to the sum
of 4 molar mass of carbon atoms, 8 molar mass of hydrogen atoms, and 2 molar
mass of oxygen atoms.
Molar mass of butanoic acid = 4 12.0 g + 8 1.0 g + 2 16.0 g = 88.0 g

Notes

Percentage of C by mass =

48.0 g
88.0 g 100 = 54.5%

Percentage of H by mass=

8.0 g
88.0 g 100 = 9.1%

Percentage of O by mass =

32.0 g
88.0 g 100 = 36.4%

The percentage of O in butanoic acid can also be calculated as follows :

Percentage of O by mass = 100 (Percentage of C by mass + Percentage of H by mass)
= 100 (54.5 + 9.1) = 36.4%

2.3 Determination of Empirical Formulae

Formula Stoichiometry
We have just seen that if we know the formula of a compound we can calculate the
percentage composition. Now the question arises, can we determine the formula of the
compound if we know the percentage composition of a compound. The answer will be
yes, but this formula will not be molecular formula; instead it would be empirical formula
as it would give simplest ratio of different atoms present in a compound. Normally we
determine the percentage composition of different elements present in an unknown
compound and determine its formula. Let us take a simple example of water. Water
consists of 11.11% hydrogen and 88.89% oxygen by mass. From the data, we can determine
empirical formula of water. Now if we assume that we have a 100.00 g sample of water,
then the percentage composition tells us that 100.0 g of water contains 11.11 g of hydrogen
atoms and 88.89 g of oxygen atoms.
From the atomic mass table, we find that 1 mol of hydrogn atoms has a mass of 1.0g, and
1 mol of oxygen atoms has a mass of 16.0 g. Now we can write unit conversion
factors so that the mass of hydrogen can be converted to moles of H atoms and the mass
of oxygen can be converted to moles of O atoms. Since 1 mol of H atoms has a mass of
1.0 g we get the conversion factor as

1mol H atoms
1.0 g H
Therefore
11.11 g H= (11.11 g H)
20

1mol H atoms
= 11.11 mol H atoms
1.0 g H

Chemical Arithmatics

Atoms, Molecules and

Chemical Arithmatics

Similarly conversion factor for oxygen will be

1mol O atoms
16.0 g O
Therefore, 88.89 g O= (88.89 g O)

MODULE - 1

1mol O atoms
= 5.55 mol O atoms
16.0 g O

Thus in water, the ratio of moles of hydrogen atoms to moles of oxygen atoms is 11.11 : 5.55.

Notes

Since a mole of one element contains the same number of atoms as a mole of
another element, the ratio of moles of atoms in a compound is also the ratio of the
number of atoms. Therefore, the ratio of hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms is 11.11:5.55.
Now by dividing each by the smaller of the two numbers we can convert both numbers to
integers

11.11
5.55
= 2 and
=1
5.55
5.55
Thus ratio hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water is 2 : 1 and empirical formula of water
is H2O.

Intext Questions 2.1

1. For the compound Fe3O4, calculate percentage of Fe and O.
...................................................................................................................................
2. State percent composition for each of the following:
(a) C in SrCO3 (b) SO3 in H2SO4
...................................................................................................................................
3. What are the empirical formulae of substances having the following molecular
formulae?
H2O2, C6H12, Li2CO3, C2H4O2, S8, H2O, B2H6, O3, S3O9, N2O3
...................................................................................................................................
4. A compound is composed of atoms of only two elements, carbon and oxygen. If the
compound contain 53.1% carbon, what is its empirical formula.
...................................................................................................................................

2.4 Chemical Equation and Reaction Stoichiometry

You have studied that a reaction can be represented in the form of a chemical equation. A
balanced chemical equation carries a wealth of information qualitative as well as quantitative.
Let us consider the following equation and learn what all information it carries.
4Fe(s)

3O2(g) 2Fe2O3(s)

...(2.1)
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Chemistry
(1) Qualitative Information
Qualitatively the equation (2.1) tells that iron reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide.
(2) Quantitative Information

Notes

Quantitatively a balanced chemical equation specifies numerical relationship among the

quantities of its reactants and products. These relationships can be expressed in terms of
:
(i)

Microscopic quantities, namely, atoms, molecules and formula units.

(ii) Macroscopic quantities, namely, moles, masses and volumes (in case of gaseous
substances) of reactants and products.
Now let us again take the reaction (2.1) given earlier and get the quantitative information
out of it.

2.4.1 Microscopic Quantitative Information

The reaction (2.1)
4Fe(s)

3O2(g)

2Fe2O3(s)

...(2.1)

tells that 4 atoms of iron react with 3 molecules of oxygen to form 2 formula units of
iron oxide. Often this information is written below each reactant and product for ready
reference as shown below:
4Fe(s)

3O2(g)

4 atoms of Fe

3 molecules of O2

2Fe2O3(s)

...(2.1a)

2 formula units of Fe2O3

2.4.2. Macroscopic Quantitative Information

The microscopic quantitative information discussed in the previous section can be converted
into macroscopic information with the help of mole concept which you have learnt in
unit 1.
(a) Mole Relationships
We know that Avogadro number of elementary entities like atoms, molecules, ions or
formula units of a substance constitute one mole of it. Let us multiply the number of
atoms, molecules and formula masses obtained in the previous section (Eq.2.1a) by
Avogadros constant, NA
4 Fe(s)

3O2(g)

2Fe2O3(s)

4 atoms of Fe

3 molecules of O2

2 formula units of Fe2O3

4 NA atoms of Fe

3 NA molecules of O2

2 NA formula units of Fe2O3

4 mol of Fe

3 mol of O2

2 mol of Fe2O3

..(2.1)

We may rewrite the above equation as

4Fe(s)
4 mol of Fe

22

3O2(g)
3 mol of O2

2Fe2O3(s)
2 mol of Fe2O3

...(2.1b)

Chemical Arithmatics
The above equation (2.1b) gives us the mole relationship between reactants and products.
Here 4 mol of Fe react with 3 mol of O2 and produce 2 mol of Fe2O3.

MODULE - 1
Atoms, Molecules and
Chemical Arithmatics

(b) Mass Relationships

The mole relationships which you have learnt in the previous section, can be converted
into mass relationship by using the fact that mass of one mole of any substance is equal to
its molar mass which can be calculated from its formula with the help of relative atomic
masses of its constituent elements.

Notes

In the reaction that we are discussing, the relative atomic masses of iron and oxygen are
55.8 and 16.0 respectively. Therefore
(i)

molar mass of Fe

= 55.8 g mol1

(ii)

molar mass of O2

= 2 16.0 = 32 g mol1
= (2 55.8 + 3 16.0) g mol1

(iii) molar mass of Fe2 O3

= 159.6 g mol1
Using these molar masses we can convert the mole relationship given by equation 2.1b
into mass relationship as given below :
4Fe(s)

4 mol Fe

(4 55.8) g Fe
223.2 g Fe

3O2(g)

2Fe2O3(s)

3 mol O2

2 mol Fe2O3

(3 32) g O2
96 g O2

(2 159.6) g Fe2O3
319.2 g Fe2O3

Thus 223.2 g iron would react with 96 g oxygen and produce 319.2 g iron oxide, We may
rewrite the above equation as
4Fe(s)

223.2 g Fe

3O2(g)

2Fe2O3(s)

96 g O2

319.2 g Fe2O3

(2.1c)

(c) Volume Relationships

We know that one mole of any gas occupies a volume of 22.7 L* at STP (standard
temperature and pressure, 0 oC and 1 bar pressure). We can use this information to arrive
at volume relationships between gaseous substances. The reaction that we are considering involves only one gaseous substance, O2. We may rewrite the equation (2.1b) as
4Fe(s)
4 mol

3O2(g)
3 mol

2Fe2O3(s) (2.1b)
2 mol.

(3 22.7) L at STP
68.1 L at STP

Thus 4 mol of iron would react with 68.1 L of oxygen at STP to produce 2 mol of iron
oxide. (The volume relationship becomes more useful for reactions involving 2 or more
gaseous substances).
*Earlier, the standard pressure was taken as 1 atmosphere and the volume of one mole of gas at STP was
taken as 22.4 L.

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Chemical Arithmatics

Chemistry
We can express microscopic as well macroscopic quantitative relationships involved in the
above reaction as shown below:
4Fe(s)

Notes

3O2(s)

2Fe2O3(s)

4 atoms

3 molecules

2 formula units

4 mol
223.2 g

3 mol
96 g
68.1 L at STP

2 mol
319.2 g

We may use even mixed relations. For example, we may say 4 mol of iron would react
with 68.1 L (at STP) of oxygen to produce 319.2 g of iron oxide.
Let us understand these relationships with two more examples.
(a) Let us work out the mole, mass and volume relationships for the reaction involved in
manufacture of ammonia by Habers process.
Microscopic relationship

N2(g)

+ 3H2(g)

2NH3(g)

Microscopic relationships

1 Molecule

3 Molecules

2 Molecules

(i) Moles

1 mol

3 mol

2 mol

(ii) Mass

28 g

(3 2.0) = 6.0 g

(2 17.0) = 34 g

(iii) Volume

1 22.7 L
= 22.7 L
1 vol

(3 22.7)
= 68.1 L
3 vol

(2 22.7)
= 45.4 L
2 vol

or

...(2.2)

(b) Let us take one more reaction, the combustion reaction of butane and work out the
different types of relationships. The reaction is :
2C4H10(g)

13O2(g)

2 molecules

8CO2(g)

13 molecules
8 molecules
13 mol
8 mol
(13 32) g
8 (12 + 2 16) g
416 g
352 g
13 22.7 = 295.1 L 8 22.7 = 181.6 L
13 vol
8 vol

2 mol
2 (4 12 +10 1) g
116 g
2 22.7 = 45.4 L
2 vol

10H2O(g)
10 molecules
10 mol
10 (2 1+16) g
180 g
10 22.7 = 227 L
10 vol

Now let us use the mole, mass and volume relationships to make some calculations.
Example 2.2 In the manufacture of ammonia by Haber process, nitrogen reacts with
hydrogen at high temprature and high pressure in the presence of a catalyst and gives
ammonia.
N2(g) + 3H2(g)
2NH3(g)
How much hydrogen would be needed to produce one metric ton of ammonia?
Solution : We should first find out the mass relationships for the reaction.
N2(g)
1 mol

3H2(g)
3 mol

1 28g = 28 g 3 2g = 6.0 g
24

2NH3(g)
2 mol

2 17g = 34 g

Chemical Arithmatics

MODULE - 1
Atoms, Molecules and
Chemical Arithmatics

We know that :
1 metric ton = 1000 kg = 103 kg = 106 g
From the mass relationship 34 g NH3 requires 6.0 g H2 for its manufacture.
106g NH3 would require

6.0 106
g = 1.76 105g of H2.
34

Thus 1 metric ton of ammonia will be obtained by using 1.176 105g of Hydrogen.

Notes

Example 2.3 In a rocket motor fuelled by butane, C4H10, how many kg of O2 should be
provided with each kg of butane to provide for complete combustion?
Solution :

The combustion reaction of butane is

2C4H10(g) + 13O2(g)

8CO2(g) + 10H2O(g)

2 mol

13 mol

2 58 = 116 g

13 32 = 416 g

Thus, to completely burn 116 g butane, oxygen required is 416g.

Therefore, to completely burn 1 kg (1000 g) butane, oxygen required will be
=

416 1000
g O2
116

= 3586 g O2
= 3.586 kg O2 3.59 kg O2
Example 2.4 When lead sulphide; PbS and lead oxide, PbO, are heated together the
products are lead metal and sulphur dioxide, SO2 ,
PbS(s) + 2PbO(s)

heat

3Pb (1) + SO2(g)

If 14.0 g of lead oxide reacts according to the above equation, how many (a) moles of lead
(b) grams of lead, (c) atoms of lead and (d) grams of sulphur dioxide are formed?
(Atomic mass : Pb = 207.0, S = 32.1 ; O =16.0)
Solution :

For each part of the question we will use the balanced equation
PbS(s) + 2PbO(s)
1mol

2mol

heat

3Pb (1) + SO2(g)

3 mol

1mol

Now formula mass of PbO = (207.0 + 16.0) = 223.0 amu

Thus, one mole of lead oxide formula units have a mass of 223.0 g. Therefore, 14.0 g of

14.0 g PbO
PbO is 223.0 g mol 1 PbO = 6.28 102 mol PbO
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Chemistry
(a)

The balanced equation shows that 2 mol of PbO form 3 mol of Pb. Therefore,
6.28 10-2 mol of PbO form
6.28 10-2 mol PbO

(b)

Notes

The atomic mass of Pb is 207.0 ; this tells us that one mol of lead has a mass
207.0 g. Thus, 9.42 10-2 mol of Pb has a mass of
9.42 10-2 mol Pb

(c)

3 mol Pb
-2
2 mol PbO = 9.42 10 mol Pb

207.0 g Pb
= 19.5 g Pb
1mol Pb

9.42 10-2 mol of Pb is

9.42 10-2 mol of Pb 6.022 1023 atoms mol1 = 5.67 1022 Pb atoms

(d)

The balanced equation shows that 2 mol of PbO form 1 mol of SO2.
Therefore, 6.28 10-2 mol of PbO formula unit forms
6.28 10-2 mol PbO

1mol SO 2
2 mol PbO
= 3.14 10-2 mol SO2

Now the relative molecular mass of SO2 = 32.1 + 2(16.0) = 64.1

Molar mass of SO2 = 64.1 g mol1
Therefore, 3.14 10-2 mol of SO2 molecules have a mass of 3.14 102 mol 64.1 g mol1
= 2.01 g

Intext Questions 2.2

(1)

How many grams of NH3 can be made according to the reaction

N2(g) + 3H2(g)

2NH3 (g)

from (a) 0.207 mol of N2 (b) 22.6 g of H2

................................................................................................................................
(2)

In reaction
C2H4(g) + 3O2(g)

2CO2(g) + 2H2O( )

How many (a) moles of O2 are consumed and (b) moles of H2O are formed when
4.16 X 10-2 mol of C2H4 react?
................................................................................................................................
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Chemical Arithmatics

MODULE - 1
Atoms, Molecules and
Chemical Arithmatics

2.5 Limiting Reagents

We generally find that substances which react with each other are not present in exactly
the same proportionin a reaction mixture as stated by a balanced chemical equation. For
example, if 2 mol each of hydrogen and oxygen are mixed and a spark is passed through
the mixture, water is formed, according to the equation
2H2

2 mol

O2

2H2O

1mol

2 mol

Notes

Here, 2 mol of hydrogen react with only 1 mol of oxygen, and 1 mol of oxygen therefore
remains unreacted. In this example hydrogen is said to be the limiting reagent or
reactant because its amount becomes zero and the reaction therefore stops before the
other reactant; that is, the oxygen is used up. The amount of hydrogen present initially
limits the amount of product that is formed.
Example 2.5 3 mol of sulphur dioxide SO2 is mixed with 2 mol of oxygen O2, and after
reaction is over sulphur trioxide, SO3 is obtained.
(i) Which is the limiting reagent?
(ii) What is the maximum amount of SO3 that can be formed?
Solution :

(i)

We must first write the balanced equation

2SO2 + O2 2SO3

According to the above equation

(a) 2 mol of SO can be formal from 2 mol of SO .
3

Amount of SO that can be formed from 3 mol of SO .

3

= (3 mol SO2)

2mol SO 3
= 3 mol SO3
2mol SO 2

(b) 2 mol of SO3 can be formed from 1 mol of O2. Therefore, the amount of SO3 that can
be formed from 2 mol of O2.
= (2 mol O2)

2mol SO3
= 4 mol SO3
1mol O 2

According to the definition, the limiting reactant is that reactant which gives the smallest
amount. In this case SO2 is the limiting reactant.
(ii)

The maximum amount of product that can be obtained is the amount formed by
the limiting reagent. Thus a the maximum amount of SO3 that can be obtained is
3 mol.

Example 2.6 2.3 g of sodium metal is introduced into a 2L flask filled with chlorine
gas at STP (273 K, 1bar). After the reaction is over, find :
(i)

What is the limiting reagent in this reaction?

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MODULE - 1
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Chemistry
(ii)

How many moles of sodium chloride are formed?

(iii)

Which substance is left unconsumed at the end of the reaction? Find out its mass
in grams.

(iv)

What percentage of the substance present in excess is converted into sodium

chloride?
(Given : Na = 23, Cl = 35.5)

Notes

Solution :
2 Na (s)

2mol

2NaCl (s)

1 mol

or

(i)

Cl2(g)

2 mol

22.7 L at STP

Moles of sodium introduced =

2.3g
= 0.1 mol
23g mol 1

From the above equation, it is clear that 2 mol NaCl is formed from 2 mol Na
Therefore 0.1 mol Na can produce =

2 0.1
= 0.1 mol NaCl
2

Molar volume at STP = 22.7 L

Therefore moles of chlorine in 2 L volume at STP =

2L
= 0.088 mol
22.7 L mol 1

From equation : 1 mol Cl2 can produce 2 mol NaCl

Therefore 0.088 mol Cl2 can produce 2 0.088 = 0.176 mol NaCl.
Since sodium produces less amount of NaCl, it is the limiting reagent.
(ii)

Sodium being the limiting reagent, as calculated in (i), the moles of NaCl produced
= 0.1 mol

(iii)

From above equation, 2 mol NaCl is produced from 1 mol Cl2

Therefore 0.1 mol NaCl is produced from

1 0.1
= 0.05 mol Cl2
2

Initial moles of Cl2 = 0.088 mol

Moles of Cl2 left unconsumed = (0.088 0.05) mol = 0.038 mol
Therefore, mass of Cl2 left unconsumed = 0.038 g 71.0 g mol1 = 2.698 g
(because molar mass of Cl2 = 2 35.5 = 71.0 g mol1)
(iv)

Moles of Cl2 consumed = 0.05 mol out of 0.088 mol

Percent of Cl2 consumed and converted into NaCl =

28

0.05
100 = 56.8 %
0.088

Chemical Arithmatics
Example 2.7 : 2.0 g mixture of MgCO3 and CaCO3 are heated till no further loss of
weight takes place. The residue weighs 1.04g. Find the percentage composition of the
mixture. (Mg = 24, Ca = 40, C = 12, O = 16)
Solution :

MODULE - 1
Atoms, Molecules and
Chemical Arithmatics

Mixture of MgCO3 and CaCO3 taken = 2.0 g

Let the mass of MgCO3 be = x g
Therefore the mass of CaCO3 = (2.0 x) g

Notes

The decomposition reactions are

MgCO3 (s)

MgO(s) +

(24+12+48) g

CO2(g)

(i)

CaO(s) + CO2(g)

(ii)

(24+16) g

84 g

40 g (Residue)

CaCO3 (s)

(40 + 12 + 48) g

(40 + 16) g

100 g

56 g (Residue)

From the equation (i)

84 g MgCO3 leaves a residue = 40 g
x g MgCO3 will leave residue =

40 x
g
84

From the equation (ii)

100 g CaCO3 leaves a residue = 56 g
(2.0 x) g CaCO3 will leave residue =

Total mass of the residue =

56 (2.0 x)
g
100

40 x
56 (2.0 x)
+
= 1.04 g (given)
84
100

40 100x + 84 56 2 84 56x = 84 100 1.04

4000x + 9408 4704x = 8736
9408 8736 = (4704 4000)x
672 = 704x
Therefore, mass of MgCO3 in the mixture = x =

Therefore, percentage of MgCO3 =

672
= 0.96 g
704

0.96
100 = 48 %
2.0

and percentage of CaCO3 = 100 48 = 52 %

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MODULE - 1

Chemistry

Atoms, Molecules and

Chemical Arithmatics

Notes

What You Have Learnt

A chemical formula is used not only to represent the name of a compound but also to
indicate its composition in terms of (i) relative number of atoms and (ii) relative
number of moles of atoms.

A molecular formula of a substance shows(i) the number of atoms of different

elements in one molecule.(ii) the number of moles of atoms of different elements in
one mole of molecule.

An empirical formula shows only a ratio of (i) number of atoms, and (ii) moles of
atoms in a compound.

Molecular formula is always an integral multiple of the empirical formula.

The empirical formula of a compound can be determined from its chemical analysis.

In order to determine a compounds molecular formula, molecular mass also must be

known.

Stoichiometry is the quantitative study of the composition of chemical compounds

(compound or formula stoichiometry) and of the substances consumed and formed
in chemical reactions (reaction or equation stoichiometry).

Chemical equations specify not only the identities of substances consumed and formed
in a reaction, but also the relative quantities of these substances in terms of (a)
atoms, molecules, and formula units and (b) moles of these entities.

A balanced chemical equation demonstrates that all the atoms present in the reactants are accounted for in the product; atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a
reaction.

The stoichiometric ratios among the moles of reactants shown in a balanced equation are useful for determining which substance is entirely consumed and which
substance(s) is (are) left over.

Terminal Exercise
1.

2.

3.

30

Write empirical formulae of the following compounds:

CO, Na2SO3, C4H10, H2O2, KC1
................................................................................................................................
The empirical formula of glucose is CH2O which has a formula mass of 30 amu. If
the molecular mass of glucose is 180 amu. Determine the molecular formula of
glucose
................................................................................................................................
What is ratio of masses of oxygen that are combined with 1.0 gram of nitrogen in the
compound NO and N2O3?
................................................................................................................................

Chemical Arithmatics
4.

A compound containing sulphur and oxygen on analysis reveals that it contains 50.1%
sulphur and 49.9% oxygen by mass. What is the simplest formula of the compound?

MODULE - 1
Atoms, Molecules and
Chemical Arithmatics

................................................................................................................................
5.

Hydrocarbons are organic compound composed of hydrogen and carbon. A, 0.1647

g sample of a pure hydrocarbon on burning in a combustion tube produced 0.5694 g
of CO2 and 0.0845 g of H2O. Determine the percentage of these elements in the
hydrocarbon.

Notes

................................................................................................................................
6.

On combustion 2.4 g of a compound of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen gave 3.52 g of

CO2 and 1.44 g of H2O. The molecular mass of the compound was found to be 60.0
amu.

(a)

What are the masses of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in 2.4 g of the compound?
................................................................................................................................

(b)

What are the empirical and molecular formulae of the compound?

................................................................................................................................

7.

(i) What mass of oxygen is required to react completely with 24 g of CH4 in the
following reaction?
CH4(g) + 2O2(g) CO2(g) + 2H2O(1)
(ii) How much mass of CH4 would react with 96 g of oxygen.

8.

In the reaction H2 + C12 2HC1

How many grams of chlorine, C12 are needed to react completely with 0.245 g of
hydrogen, H2, to give hydrogen chloride, HC1? How much HC1 is formed?
................................................................................................................................

9.

3.65 g of H2 and 26.7 g of O2 are mixed and reacted. How many grams of H2O are
formed?
................................................................................................................................

10. Caustic soda NaOH can be commercially prepared by the reaction of Na2CO3 with
slaked line, Ca(OH)2. How many grams of NaOH can be obtained by treating 2.0
kg of Na2CO3 with Ca(OH)2?
................................................................................................................................
11.

A portable hydrogen generator utilizes the reaction

CaH2 + H2O Ca(OH)2 + 2H2
How many grams of H2 can be produced by a 100 g cartridge of CaH2?
................................................................................................................................
31

MODULE - 1
Atoms, Molecules and
Chemical Arithmatics

Chemistry
12. The reaction 2Al + 3MnO Al2O3 + 3Mn proceeds till the limiting substance is
consumed. A mixture of 220 g Al and 400 g MnO was heated to initiate the reaction.
Which initial substance remained in excess and by how much ? ( Al = 27, Mn = 55).
................................................................................................................................
13. KClO4 may be prepared by means of following series of reactions
Cl2 + 2KOH KCl + KClO + H2O

Notes

3KClO 2KCl + KClO3

4KClO3 3KClO4 + KCl
How much Cl2 is needed to prepare 400 g KClO4 by the above sequence?
(K = 39, Cl = 35.5, O = 16, H = 1)
................................................................................................................................
14. 2.0 g of a mixture of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 was heated when its weight reduced to
1.876 g. Determine the percentage composition of the mixture.
15. Calculate the weight of 60 % sulphuric acid required to decompose 150 g of chalk
(calcium carbonate). Given Ca = 40, C = 12, O = 16, S = 32)

Answers to Intext Questions

2.1
(1)

Molar mass of Fe3O4

= 3 56.0 + 4 16.0
= (168.0 + 64.0) = 232.0 g mol1

(2)

Percentage of Fe

168.0
100 = 72.41%
232.0

Percentage of O

64.0
100 = 27.59%
232.0

(a) Molar mass of SrCO3 = 87.6 + 12.0 + 48.0 = 147.6 g mol1

Percentage of carbon C in SrCO3 =
(b)

12.0
100 = 8.13%
147.6

Molar mass of H2SO4 = 2.0 + 32.1 + 64.0 = 98.1 g mol1

Molar mass of SO3 = 32.1 + 48.0 = 80.1 g mol1

Percentage of SO3 in H2SO4=
32

80.1 100
= 81.65%
98.1

Chemical Arithmatics
3. Substance

4.

Atoms, Molecules and

Chemical Arithmatics

Empirical formula

H 2O 2

HO

C6 H12

CH 2

Li2CO3

Li2CO3

C2H 4O 2

CH 2 O

S8

H2O

H2O

B2 H 6

BH 3

O3

O3

S3O9

SO3

N 2O 3

N 2O 3

MODULE - 1

Notes

Percentage of carbon

= 53.1%

Percentage of Oxygen

= 46.9%

Suppose we take 100 g of the substance then moles of carbon =

mole of oxygen =

molar ratio of C and O =

53.1
g = 4.43 mol
12.0

46.0
= 2.93 mol
16.0
4.43 2.93
:
2.93 2.93

= 1.50 : 1 or 3 : 2
Empirical formula of the compound is C3O2

2.2
1.

In equation
N2(g)

1 mol

3H2(g)

2NH3(g)

3 mol

2 mol

0.207 mol of N2 gives 0.414 mol of NH3

0.414 mol of NH3 = 0.414 mol 17.0 g mol1 = 7.038 g of NH3
22.6 g of hydrogen =

22.6
= 11.3 mol of hydrogen
2.0

11.3 mol of hydrogen will give

2
11.3 mol of NH3 = 7.53 mol
3

33

MODULE - 1
Atoms, Molecules and
Chemical Arithmatics

Chemistry
Therefore, mass of NH3 = 7.53 mol 17.0 g mol1 = 128.01 g
2.

C2H4(g) + 3O2(g)
1 mol

3 mol

2CO2(g)

2 mol

2H2O(g)
2 mol

(a) 4.16 10-2 mol of C2H4 will consume 3 4.16 10-2 mol of oxygen
= 12.48 10-2 = 1.248 10-1 mol of O2

Notes

(b) moles of H2O formed = 2 4.16 10-2 mol

= 8.32 10-2 mol of H2O

34