Determining the Formation of H2O from NH3 and O2 in a Chemical Reaction

Understanding the formation of water (H2O) when ammonia (NH3) and oxygen (O2) react is crucial in various chemical engineering and environmental science applications. This article will guide you through the process of determining the amount of H2O formed by analyzing the given chemical reaction and applying stoichiometric principles.

Chemical Reaction Analysis

Consider the chemical reaction:

4NH3 5O2 → 4NO 6H2O

This equation represents the combustion of ammonia in the presence of oxygen, which results in the formation of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and water (H2O).

Step-by-Step Calculation

To determine how many moles of H2O will be formed from 7.50 moles of NH3 and 8.20 moles of O2, follow these steps:

Step 1: Calculate the Mole Ratio

From the balanced equation, the mole ratio of NH3 to O2 is 4:5. This means 4 moles of NH3 react with 5 moles of O2.

Step 2: Determine the Limiting Reactant

To find the limiting reactant, we need to determine how much O2 is required for the given amount of NH3:

Moles of O2 needed for 7.50 moles of NH3 (5 moles O2 / 4 moles NH3) × 7.50 moles NH3 9.375 moles O2

Since we only have 8.20 moles of O2, O2 is the limiting reactant.

Step 3: Calculate the Amount of H2O Produced

Since O2 is the limiting reactant, we can use its amount to calculate the amount of H2O produced. From the balanced equation, the mole ratio of O2 to H2O is 5:6, meaning 5 moles of O2 produce 6 moles of H2O.

Moles of H2O produced (6 moles H2O / 5 moles O2) × 8.20 moles O2 9.84 moles H2O

Therefore, 9.84 moles of H2O will be formed from the reaction of 7.50 moles of NH3 and 8.20 moles of O2.

Generalisation and Context

The concept of limiting reactant and mole ratio is widely applicable in chemical reactions. Understanding these principles is vital for process optimization in industries dealing with various gases and their reactions. For example, in the production of NO and H2O from NH3 and O2, precise calculations help in predicting outcomes and managing resources effectively.

Conclusion

By following the steps of calculating mole ratios, identifying the limiting reactant, and applying the balanced chemical equation, you can accurately determine the amount of H2O produced in a given reaction. This knowledge is essential in numerous scientific and industrial processes.