An unknown mixture containing Carbon Monoxide () and Methane () is exploded with a measured excess o — States of Matter and Gaseous State Chemistry Question
Question
An unknown mixture containing Carbon Monoxide ($CO$) and Methane ($CH_4$) is exploded with a measured excess of $O_2$ in an eudiometer. Let the initial volume of the mixture be $V_{mix}$. Which of the following statements concerning the volumetric changes and products are correct?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Reaction 1: $CO(g) + 0.5O_2(g) \rightarrow CO_2(g)$. Reaction 2: $CH_4(g) + 2O_2(g) \rightarrow CO_2(g) + 2H_2O(l)$. Statements A, B, and D are direct translations of these stoichiometries. Since both reactions produce $1\text{ volume}$ of $CO_2$ for every $1\text{ volume}$ of reactant ($CO$ or $CH_4$), the total volume of $CO_2$ produced equals the total initial volume of the mixture ($V_{mix}$). $KOH$ absorbs all $CO_2$, causing a contraction equal to $V_{mix}$.