Victoria Junior College

Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry Tutorial (2015)

Level 1
Masses of atoms and molecules
Q1
Because of differing proportions of isotopes, the relative atomic mass of lead
depends on its source.
Two samples of lead were subjected to analysis. The following results were
obtained for the first sample:
Relative isotopic
mass
204
206
207
208

Relative abundance
(in arbitrary units)
2.7
48.0
41.5
100.0

Relative abundance
(in percentage)
1.4
25.0
21.6
52.0

When 1.000 g of the second sample was converted into lead(II) chloride, the
mass of the product is 1.341 g.
Calculate the average relative atomic mass of each sample of lead, and
decide whether or not the two samples have identical isotopic compositions.
Answer:
First sample:
204(2.7) + 206( 48.0) + 207( 41.5) + 208(100.0)
Ar of Pb =
= 207.2
2.7 + 48.0 + 41.5 + 100.0
Second sample:
Let y be the average Ar of Pb.
Pb

PbCl2

Cl2

1.000 g

1.341 g
nPb = nPbCl2

1.000
y

1.341
y + 2(35.5)

y = 208.2

Ar of Pb is 208.2
Conclusion:
Since the two samples of lead do not have exactly the same Ar, they do not
have identical isotopic compositions.

Mole concept
Q2
Which of the following contains the greatest amount (in mol) of particles?
A
B
C
D

600 g of I2 (s)
50 cm3 of H2O (l)
50 dm3 of HCl (g) at s.t.p.
550 cm3 of 2.5 mol dm3 Br2 (l)

Answer: B
Option Type of particles

H2O molecules

HCl molecules

Br2 molecules

V
MrV Vm c

I2 molecules

Mr

No. of particles
m
600
n=
=
= 2.36 mol
2 127
m 50 1.0
n=
=
= 2.78 mol (water = 1 g cm3)
18
50
n=
=
= 2.23 mol
22.4
550
n=
= 2.5
= 1.375 mol
1000

Chemical equations
Q3
Sodium dichromate(VI), Na2Cr2O7, is used widely in organic synthesis as well as in

the process of leather tanning. The principal ore of chromium called chromite,
FeCr2O4, is used in the manufacture of sodium dichromate(VI) via a 2stage process.

In the first stage of the process, the ore is fused with soda ash (sodium carbonate)
and air at a temperature of 1000 C. The following equation represents this stage.
4FeCr2O4 + aNa2CO3 + bO2

cFe2O3 + dNa2CrO4 + eCO2

Complete the balancing of the above equation by deducing the values for a, b, c, d
and e.

Answer:
Step 1: Balance Fe c = 2
Step 2: Balance Cr d = 8
Step 3: Balance Na a = 8
e=8
Step 4: Balance C
b=7
Step 5: Balance O

Level 2
Empirical and molecular formulae
Q4
X is an organic iron compound containing only Fe, C and H. When a 0.944 g
sample of X was subjected to complete combustion, 2.23 g of CO2 and 0.457
g of H2O were formed.

What is the empirical formula of X?

Answer:
mFe + mC + mH = 0.944 g
mC =

12
2.23 = 0.608 g
12 + 2(16.0)

mH =

2(1.0)
0.457 = 0.508 g
2.0 + 16.0

mFe = 0.944 0.608 0.0508 = 0.285 g

Mass
in
0.944g /g
number of
moles /mol
simplest
ratio

Fe

0.608

0.508

0.285

0.608
= 0.0507
12.0
0.0507
10
5.10 10 3

0.0508
= 0.0508
1.0
0.0508
10
5.10 10 3

0.285
= 5.10x103
55.8
5.10 10 3
=1
5.10 10 3

The empirical formula of X is FeC10H10.

Combustion of hydrocarbons
Q5
10 cm3 of a hydrocarbon, C4Hx were allowed to react with an excess of oxygen
at 150oC and 1 atmosphere. Given that there was an expansion of 10 cm3,
deduce the value of x. (Refer to Lecture Notes worked example 8b for a
similar example)
Answer:
Equation
Initial vol.
/cm3
Change in
vol. /cm3
End vol.
/cm3

C4Hx

(4 + x/4) O2
excess +
10(4 + x/4)

4 CO2

10

10(4 + x/4)

+40

+10(x/2)

excess

40

10(x/2)

10

x/2 H2O

Sum of change in volume = +10 cm3 (expansion)

10 10(4 + x/4) + 40 +10(x/2) = +10 x = 8

The molecular formula of the hydrocarbon is C4H8.

Calculations involving reacting masses and/or gases
Q6
The mineral dolomite is a double carbonate of magnesium and calcium, with
the formula CaMg(CO3)2. When 1.000 g of an impure sample of dolomite was
completely dissolved in an excess of hydrochloric acid, 0.245 dm3 of carbon
dioxide was evolved.

Write a balanced equation for the reaction and calculate the purity of the
dolomite. All gas volumes are measured at room temperature and pressure.

Answer:

CaMg(CO3)2(s) + 4HCl(aq)

V Vm

No. of moles of CO2 evolved =

CaCl2(aq) + MgCl2(aq) + 2CO2(g) + 2H2O(l)

=

0.245
= 0.0102 mol
24 .0

Mole ratio of CaMg(CO3)2 : CO2 = 1 : 2

No. of moles of CaMg(CO3)2 present =

1
x 0.0102 = 5.10 x 103 mol
2

Mr

Mass of CaMg(CO3)2 present = n

= 5.10 X 103 x [40.1 + 24.3 + 2(12.0) + 6(16.0)]
= 0.940 g
0.940
Purity of dolomite in impure sample =
x 100 % = 94.0 % (3 s.f.)
1.000

Q7

A chloride of Group V element has the formula MCl3. When 0.100 g of MCl3
was added to water and the resulting solution titrated with 0.0500 mol dm3
silver nitrate, it was found that 33.00 cm3 of aqueous silver nitrate was needed
to precipitate all the chloride ions. Use these data to calculate the Ar of M and
hence identify M.
Answer:
MCl3(s) + aq
Ag+(aq) + Cl(aq)

M3+(aq) + 3Cl(aq)
AgCl(s)

V
c

No. of moles of Ag+ ions =

= 0.0500

33.00
= 1.65 x 103 mol
1000

Mole ratio of MCl3 : Cl : Ag+ = 1 : 3 : 3

No. of moles of MCl3 =

Mr of MCl3 =

1.65 10
3

m
0.100
=
n 5.50 10

= 5.50 x 104 mol

= 181.8

Using the Periodic Table, M is arsenic.

Ar of M = 181.8 3(35.5) = 75.3

Calculations involving solutions

Q8
How many cubic centimeters of 0.50 mol dm3 Ba(OH)2 is needed to
neutralize a mixture of 50.0 cm3 of 0.100 mol dm3 HCl and 100 cm3 of 0.200
mol dm3 H2SO4?
Answer:

Ba(OH)2(aq) + 2HCl(aq)

BaCl2(aq) + 2H2O

50.0
0.100
1000
= 2.50 x 103 mol

No. of moles of Ba(OH)2 = No. of moles of HCl = x

Ba(OH)2(aq) + H2SO4(aq)

BaSO4(s) + H2O

100
0.200
1000
= 2.00 x 102 mol

No. of moles of Ba(OH)2 = No. of moles of H2SO4 =

Total no. of moles of Ba(OH)2 needed = 2.50 x 103 + 2.00 x 102

= 2.25 x 102 mol

Q9

Volume of Ba(OH)2 needed =

2.25 10
0.50

= 0.045 dm3 = 45.0 cm3

2.01 g of the tribasic salt, KH3(C2O4)2.2H2O needed 26.20 cm3 of the sodium
hydroxide solution for neutralization. Calculate the molar concentration of the
sodium hydroxide solution.
Answer:

KH3(C2O4)2.2H2O 3H+ per mole of acid

NaOH 1OH per mole of base
Hence mole ratio of KH3(C2O4)2.2H2O : NaOH = 1 : 3
2.01
39.1 3(1.0) 2[2(12.0) 4(16.0)] 2(18.0)
2.01
=
= 7.91 x 103 mol
254.1

No. of moles of salt =

No. of moles of NaOH = 3 x No. of moles of salt = 3 x 7.91 x 103

= 0.0237 mol

Molar concentration of Na+ =

0.0237
= 0.906 mol dm3
26.20
1000

Level 3
Calculations involving solutions: back titration
Q10 1.60 g of a metallic oxide of the type MO, was dissolved in 100 cm3 of
1.00 mol dm3 HCl. The resulting solution was made up to 500 cm3 with
distilled water. 25.0 cm3 of this solution than required 21.05 cm3 of 0.102 mol
dm3 NaOH for neutralization.
(a)

Calculate the amount of HCl that reacted with the metallic oxide, MO.
NaOH + HCl

NaCl + H2O

No. of moles of HCl (unreacted) in 25.0 cm3

21.05
0.102
= Amount of NaOH required =
1000
= 2.15 x 103 mol

500
2.15 10
25.0
= 4.30 x 102 mol

No. of moles of HCl (unreacted) in 500 cm3 =

No. of moles of HCl (initial) =

100
1.00 = 1.00 x 101 mol
1000

No. of moles of HCl (reacted with MO) = 1.00 x 101 4.30 x 102
= 5.70 x 102 mol
(b)

Calculate the molar mass of the oxide.

MO + 2HCl

MCl2 + H2O

No. of moles of MO = No. of moles of HCl (reacted with MO)

= 5.70 x 102 /2 = 2.85 x 102 mol
Molar mass of MO =
(c)

m
1.60
=
= 56.1 g mol1
n 0.0285

Hence calculate the relative atomic mass of the metal M.

Ar of M = 56.116.0 = 40.1

Calculations involving solutions: double indicator titration [H2 Only]

Q11 FB1 is a solution containing a mixture of potassium carbonate and sodium
hydrogencarbonate. 25.0 cm3 of this mixture was titrated against 0.250 mol
dm3 solution of hydrochloric acid. In one titration using phenolphthalein as
indicator, 10.00 cm3 of the acid was needed. In another titration using methyl
orange as indicator, 35.00 cm3 of acid was required.

Find the number of moles of potassium

hydrogencarbonate present in the mixture.

K2CO3

Va

NaHCO3

KHCO3

NaHCO3

carbonate

Vb

Vc

Answer:

Va = 10.00 cm3
Va + Vb + Vc = 35.00 cm3
No. of moles of K2CO3 = No. of moles of HCl
10.00
0.250 = 2.50 x 103 mol
=
1000
Va = Vb = 10.00 cm3
Vc = 35.00 10.00 10.00 = 15.00 cm3
No. of moles of NaHCO3 = No. of moles of HCl
15.00
0.250 = 3.75 x 103 mol
=
1000

and

sodium

KCl + H2O

NaCl + H2O

Victoria Junior College

Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry Supplementary Qn(s) (2015)
Masses of atoms and molecules
Q1
The relative atomic mass of boron, which consists of isotopes 105 B and 115B is

10.8. What is the percentage of 115B atoms in the isotopic mixture?

A 0.8%
B 8.0%
C 20%
D 80%
E 92%
Answer: D

Let x and (100x) be the percentage abundance of 10B and 11B respectively.

10 x + 11(100 x )
= 10.8
100

x = 20

Hence percentage abundance of 11B is (10020) = 80 %.

Mole concept
Q2
Which of the following samples could be methane, CH4?

A sample that contains

A
25% hydrogen, by weight, and 75% carbon, by weight.
B
0.40 mole of H atoms and 1.0 x 1023 C atoms.
C
4.0 g of H atoms and 1.0 g of C atoms.
D
0.40 mole of H2 molecules and 0.10 moles of C atoms.
Answer: A

Mass in 100 g /g
number of moles
/mol
simplest ratio

C
75

H
25

75
= 6.25
12.0
6.25
=1
6.25

25
= 25.0
1.0
25.0
=4
6.25

Chemical equations
Q3
The first stage in the manufacture of nitric acid is the oxidation of ammonia by
oxygen.
aNH3(g) + bO2(g)

cNO(g) + dH2O(g)

What are the values for a, b, c and d?

A
B
C
D

a
4
4
5
6

b
5
6
6
5

c
4
4
5
6

d
6
5
4
4

Answer: A
Step 1:
Since H atoms appear only in NH3 (reactant) and H2O (product), the no. of H
atoms on both sides must follow the common multiples of 2 and 3 (using trial
anderror starting with 6, 12, etc). Hence a must be 4 while d is 6.
Step 2:
Following that, you will solve for c and then b. In fact, you need not do so for
this question as the options given already allow you to choose the answer.
Empirical and molecular formulae
Q4
In an experiment, 1.00 g of titanium reacts with chlorine to give 3.22 g of a
compound TiCln. What is the value of n?
Answer:

Ti +

n
Cl2
2

TiCln

No. of moles of Ti = No. of moles of TiCln

1.00
3.22
n=3
=
47.9 47.9 + n(35.5)
Q5

An organic compound has a molecular mass of 62. The compound has a

composition of 38.7% carbon, 51.6% oxygen and 9.6% hydrogen.
Calculate its
(a)
empirical formula;
(b)
molecular formula.
Answer:

Mass in 100 g /g
number of moles
/mol
simplest ratio

C
38.7
38.7
= 3.225
12.0
3.225
=1
3.225

O
51.6
51.6
= 3.225
16.0
3.225
= 1
3.225

The empirical formula of the compound is CH3O.

Let (CH3O)n be the molecular formula of the compound.
62 = (12.0 + 3 x 1.0 + 16.0) x n n = 2

The molecular formula of the compound is C2H6O2.

H
9.6
9.6
= 9.6
1.0
9 .6
3
3.225

Combustion of hydrocarbons
Q6
A tube filled with 50 cm3 of methane and 150 cm3 of oxygen at room
temperature was inverted over a vessel containing KOH (aq) as shown in the
diagram.

The hydrocarbon was ignited for the following reaction to take place.
CH4 + 2O2

CO2 + 2H2O

A. 50 cm3
B. 100 cm3
C. 150 cm3
D. 200 cm3

When the setup is cooled to room temperature, at which level will the liquid be?
Answer: A
Equation
Initial vol.
/cm3
Change in
vol. /cm3
End vol.
/cm3

CH4

2O2

CO2

2H2O

50

150

50

100

+50

50

50

CO2 produced will be neutralised by KOH. Hence only the excess O2 remains.
Q7

In an experiment, 10 cm3 of an organic compound in the gaseous state were

sparked with an excess of oxygen. 20 cm3 of carbon dioxide and 5 cm3 of N2
were obtained among the products. (All volume measurements are done at
s.t.p.)
Which of the following could be the molecular formula of the compound?
1
C2H7N
2
C2H3N
3
C2H6N2
Answer: B (1 and 2 Only)
Equation CxHyNz +
Initial
vol.
/cm3

10

(x + y/4) O2

x CO2

excess +
10(x + y/4)

z/2
N2

y/2 H2O

Change
in vol.
/cm3
End vol.
/cm3

10

10(x + y/4)

+20

+5

excess

20

Comparing stoichiometric coefficients,

nCxHyNz 1 1
= =
x=2
nCO2
x 2
nCxHyNz
nN2

1
1
=
z
1
2
2

z=1

Hence molecular formula of the organic compound is C2HyN.

Q8

Methane was burnt in an incorrectly adjusted burner. The methane was

converted into a mixture of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the ratio of
99:1, together with water vapour.
What will be the volume of oxygen consumed when y cm3 of methane is
burned?
0.01y
(2 y
) cm3
A
2
(2 y 0.01 y ) cm3
B
0.01y
(y
) cm3
C
2
( y 0.01 y ) cm3
D
Answer: A

Complete combustion of methane:

Incomplete combustion of methane:

Volume of oxygen consumed = 2(

CH4 + 2O2
99
99
y 2(
y)
100
100

3
O2
2
1
3 1
y
(
y)
100
2 100
CH4 +

CO2 + 2H2O

CO + 2H2O

99
3 1
0.01y
y) + (
y ) = (2 y
) cm3
100
2 100
2

Calculations involving reacting masses and/or gases

Q9
8.614 g of a solid mixture of lithium chloride and potassium chloride were
dissolved in 100 cm3 of distilled water. Excess silver nitrate solution was

added to the above solution, yielding 21.525 g of silver chloride precipitate.

Calculate the percentage by mass of lithium chloride in the original solid
mixture.
Answer:

Hydration equations:
LiCl(s) + aq
Li+(aq) + Cl(aq)
KCl(s) + aq
K+(aq) + Cl(aq)
Precipitation equation:
Ag+(aq) + Cl(aq)

AgCl(s)

Mr

No. of moles of Cl ions = No. of moles of AgCl precipitate

21.525
m
=
= 0.150 mol
=
108 + 35.5
Let no. of moles of LiCl and KCl be x and (0.150 x) respectively
mLiCl + mKCl = 8.614
x(6.9 + 35.5) + (0.150 x)(39.1+35.5) = 8.614 x = 0.08
Percentage by mass of LiCl =

0.08 (6.9 + 35.5)

100% = 39.4 %
8.614

Calculations involving solutions

Q10 Find the volume of water needed to convert 1.00 dm3 of a 2.50 mol dm3
solution to a concentration of 0.80 mol dm3.
Answer:

moles of solute in original sample = moles of solute in diluted sample

c1V1 = c2V2
(2.50)(1.00) = (0.80)(V2)
V2 = 3.125 dm3

Hence volume of water needed = 3.125 1.00 = 2.125 dm3.

Q11

15 cm3 of 0.200 mol dm3 sodium hydroxide solution was made up to 100 cm3
with 0.120 mol dm3 sodium sulfate solution. Determine the molar
concentration of sodium cations in the resultant mixture.
Answer:

Mole ratio Na+ : NaOH = 1 : 1

Mole ratio Na+ : Na2SO4 = 2 : 1

Total no. of moles of Na+ = (

15
85
0.200) + 2(
0.120) = 0.0234 mol
1000
1000

Q12

Molar concentration of Na+ =

0.0234
= 0.234 mol dm3
100
1000

A sample of magnesium which is contaminated by magnesium oxide reacts

completely with 43.20 cm3 of 1.25 mol dm3 hydrochloric acid to liberate 600
cm3 of hydrogen, all volumes were measured at room temperature and
pressure. Calculate the percentage by mass of magnesium oxide in the
sample.
Answer:

Mg + 2HCl
MgO + 2HCl

MgCl2 + H2
MgCl2 + H2O
600
= 0.0250 mol
No. of moles of H2 liberated =
24000

No. of moles of Mg in sample = Amount of H2 = 0.0250 mol

Mass of Mg in sample = 0.0250 x 24.3 = 0.6075 g
No. of moles of HCl used (total) = c x V = 1.25

43.20
= 0.0540 mol
1000

No. of moles of (Mg + MgO) = Amount of HCl used (total) = 0.0540 2

= 0.0270 mol
No. of moles of MgO in sample = 0.0270 0.0250 = 0.0020 mol
Mass of MgO present in sample = 0.0020 x (24.3 + 16.0) = 0.0806 g
0.0806
Percentage mass of MgO =
x 100 % = 11.7 %
0.0806 + 0.6075

Calculations involving solutions: back titration

Q13 It has been suggested that the engines of highflying aircrafts produce small
amount of carbonyl sulfide, SCO.

A sample of 120 cm3 of SCO was absorbed at room temperature and

pressure into 25 cm3 of 1.00 mol dm3 sodium hydroxide. The sodium
hydroxide remaining was neutralized by 20 cm3 of 0.25 mol dm3 hydrochloric
acid. Which of the following equations could represent the reaction between
sodium hydroxide and carbonyl sulfide?
A
B
C
D

SCO
SCO
SCO
SCO

+
+
+
+

2NaOH
2NaOH
3NaOH
4NaOH

Na2CO3
Na2S +
Na2CO3
Na2CO3

+ H2S
CO2 + H2O
+ NaHS + H2O
+ Na2S + 2H2O

Answer: D

NaOH + HCl

NaCl + H2O

No. of moles of NaOH (unreacted) = Amount of HCl required

20
0.25 = 5.00 x 103 mol
=
1000
25
1.00 = 2.50 x 102 mol
No. of moles of NaOH (initial) =
1000
No. of moles of NaOH (reacted with SCO) = 2.50 x 102 5.00 x 103
= 2.00 x 102 mol
No. of moles of SCO =

120
= 5.00 x 103 mol
24000

Mole ratio of SCO : NaOH

Q14

nSCO
1
=
nNaOH 4

Health regulations set an upper limit of 50 parts per million (ppm) of NH3 in the
air in a work environment [1 ppm of NH3 = 1 molecule of NH3 in 106 molecules
of air].
Air from a manufacturing operation was drawn through a solution containing 1
dm3 of 0.0105 mol dm3 HCl. After withdrawing air through the acid solution
for 10.0 min at a rate of 10.0 dm3 min1, the acid was titrated. The acid
requires 13.1 cm3 of 0.0588 mol dm3 NaOH for complete neutralisation.

(a)

Write an equation for the reaction for NH3 with the acid.
Answer:

HCl + NH3
(b)

NH4Cl

How many moles of the acid reacted with the NH3 in the air?
Answer:

HCl + NaOH

NaCl + H2O

nHCl (unreacted) = nNaOH =

13.1
0.0588 = 7.70 x 104 mol
1000

nHCl (initial) = 1 0.0105 = 0.0105 mol

nHCl (reacted with NH3) = 0.0105 7.70 x 104 = 9.73 x 103 mol
(c)

How many molecules of NH3 were drawn through the acid solution?
Answer:
HCl + NH3

NH4Cl

nNH3 (drawn through) = nHCl (reacted with NH3) = 9.73 x 103 mol
No. of NH3 molecules (drawn through) = 9.73 x 103 x 6.02 x 1023
= 5.86 x 1021 molecules

(d)

How many moles of air were drawn through the acid solution?
Assuming that air has a density of 1.20 g dm3 and an average molar
mass of 29.0 g mol1.
Answer:

Volume of air drawn through = 10.0 dm3 min1 x 10 min = 100 dm3
Mass of air drawn through = 1.20 g dm3 x 100 dm3 = 120 g
Moles of air drawn through =
(e)

120
= 4.14 mol
29.0

Hence, determine whether this manufacturer is in compliance with the

health regulations by calculating how many ppm of NH3 were in the air.
Answer:

No. of air molecules (drawn through) = 4.14 x 6.02 x 1023

= 2.49 x 1024 molecules

5.86 10 21
ppm of NH3 in the air =
x 106
24
2.49 10
= 2.35 x 103 ppm
Since 2.35 x 103 ppm exceeded 50 ppm, the manufacturer was not in
compliance with the health regulations.

Calculations involving solutions: double indicator titration [H2 Only]

Q15 25.0 cm3 of a solution containing sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate
was titrated against 0.100 mol dm3 hydrochloric acid, using phenolphthalein
as indicator. After 30.00 cm3 of acid had been used, the indicator was
decolorized. Methyl orange was added, and a further 12.50 cm3 of
hydrochloric acid were needed to turn the indicator orange. Calculate

NaOH

Na2CO3

(a)

Va

Vb

NaCl + H2O

NaHCO3

NaCl + H2O

Vc

NaCl + H2O

the concentration of sodium carbonate in the solution, and

Answer:

Va + Vb = 30.00 cm3
Vc = 12.50 cm3
Vb = Vc = 12.50 cm3
No. of moles of Na2CO3 = No. of moles of HCl
12.50
0.100 = 1.25 x 103 mol
=
1000
Concentration of Na2CO3 =

(b)

1.25 10 3
= 5.00 x 102 mol dm3
25.0
1000

the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the solution.

Answer:

Va = 30.00 12.50 = 17.50 cm3

No. of moles of NaOH = No. of moles of HCl
17.50
0.100 = 1.75 x 103 mol
=
1000
Concentration of NaOH =

1.75 10 3
= 7.00 x 102 mol dm3
25.0
1000