NEETChemistrySome Basic Concepts of Chemistry
What is the mass of oxygen gas required for the complete combustion of 46 g of ethanol ( C₂H₅OH )? (Given atomic masses in amu: H = 1 , C = 12 , O = 16 )
Options
- A112 g
- B88 g
- C96 g
- D32 g
Correct answer
C. 96 g
Step-by-step solution
The balanced chemical equation for the complete combustion of ethanol is: C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ 2CO₂ + 3H₂O Molar mass of ethanol ( C₂H₅OH ) = (2 12) + (6 1) + 16 = 46 g/mol. Number of moles of ethanol = 46 46 = 1 mole. From the balanced equation, 1 mole of ethanol requires exactly 3 moles of O₂ for complete combustion. (The oxygen atom present in the ethanol molecule reduces the external O₂ requirement compared to a pure hydrocarbon like ethane). Molar mass of O₂ = 2 16 = 32 g/mol. Mass of O₂ required = 3 32 = 96 g. Forget