Gay Lussac’s of combining volumes states that gases react in simple ratio with one another and to volumes of the products provided that temperature and pressure remain constant. In this article, you will understand how to apply this law in calculation by studying the following examples below: 1. 2H 2 + O 2 → H 2 O In the reaction above, what volume of hydrogen would be left over when 300cm 3 of oxygen and hydrogen are exploded in a sealed tube? 1cm 3 of oxygen = 2cm 3 of hydrogen 300cm 3 of oxygen = 2 x 300 = 600cm 3 Volume of left over = 1000 – 600 = 400cm 3 2. Calculate the volume of carbon (II) oxide required to react with 40cm 3 of oxygen. 2CO + O 2 → 2CO 2 1cm 3 of oxygen = 2cm 3 of CO 40cm 3 of oxygen = 2 x 40 = 80cm 3 3. Calculate the volume of residual gases that would be produced when 100cm 3 of sulphur (IV) oxide reacts with 20cm 3 of oxygen 2SO 2 + O 2 → 2SO 3 1cm 3 of O 2 = 2cm 3 20cm 3 of O 2 = 2 x 20 = 40cm 3
Stoichiometry is the quantitative study of the reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction. Stoichiometry is also the calculation of products and reactants in a chemical reaction. It deals with the number of products and reactants involved in a chemical reaction. Importance of Chemical Stoichiometry It helps chemists to use balanced chemical equations to determine the moles of reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It helps to determine the mass of reactants and products required or present in a chemical reaction. It helps chemists measure the molecular weight of substances. It helps to measure the formulae. Basic Concepts of Stoichiometric Reaction In a stoichiometric reaction, there are some basic things to note to make it easier to understand. We can get the pictures of these things by considering the equation below: 3Fe(S) + 4H2O(I) → Fe3O4(S) + 4H2(g) The stoichiometric coefficient of this chemical reaction represents the coefficient of each elem