Consider the reaction between sodium metal and chlorine gas to form sodium chloride (table salt): 2Na(s)+ Cl₂(g)→ 2NaCl(s)If 3.6 moles of chlorine react with sufficient sodium, how many grams of sodium chloride should form?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

From the balanced chemical equation, we can see that 1 mole of chlorine reacts with 2 moles of sodium to form 2 moles of sodium chloride. Therefore, 3.6 moles of chlorine will react with 3.6/2 = 1.8 moles of sodium to form 1.8 moles of sodium chloride.

To determine the mass of sodium chloride formed, we need to use its molar mass, which is the sum of the atomic masses of sodium and chlorine:

NaCl: (1 x 22.99 g/mol) + (1 x 35.45 g/mol) = 58.44 g/mol

So, the mass of sodium chloride formed is:

1.8 moles x 58.44 g/mol = 105.2 g

To three significant figures, this is 4.2 x 10^2 g, which is answer choice C.

Consider the Reaction Between Sodium Metal and Chlorine Gas to Form