What theoretical mass of Calcium carbonate () must be completely thermally decomposed to produce exa — Mole Concept and Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Chemistry Question
Question
What theoretical mass of Calcium carbonate ($CaCO_3$) must be completely thermally decomposed to produce exactly $56\text{ kg}$ of Calcium oxide ($CaO$)?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Step 1: Write the decomposition equation: $CaCO_3 \rightarrow CaO + CO_2$. Step 2: Convert product mass to moles. Mass of $CaO = 56\text{ kg} = 56000\text{ g}$. Molar mass of $CaO = 40 + 16 = 56\text{ g/mol}$. Moles of $CaO = 56000 / 56 = 1000\text{ moles}$. Step 3: Apply stoichiometry. $1\text{ mole}$ of $CaO$ requires $1\text{ mole}$ of $CaCO_3$. Moles of $CaCO_3$ needed = $1000\text{ moles}$. Step 4: Calculate mass of reactant. Molar mass of $CaCO_3 = 100\text{ g/mol}$. Mass = $1000 \times 100\text{ g} = 100000\text{ g} = 100\text{ kg}$.