To determine the number of moles of CO2 molecules produced when 1.6 moles of O2 molecules react completely, we need to use the balanced equation and the stoichiometric coefficients.
The balanced equation is:
C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O
From the equation, we can see that 5 moles of O2 react to produce 3 moles of CO2. Therefore, we can set up a proportion:
(5 moles O2 / 1) = (3 moles CO2 / x)
Cross-multiplying the equation gives:
5 moles O2 * x = 1 * 3 moles CO2
Simplifying further:
5x = 3
Dividing both sides by 5:
x = 3/5
Therefore, for every 5 moles of O2 that react, 3 moles of CO2 are produced.
Now, if we have 1.6 moles of O2, we can calculate the number of moles of CO2 produced:
(1.6 moles O2 / 5 moles O2) * 3 moles CO2 = 0.96 moles CO2
Therefore, when 1.6 moles of O2 molecules react completely, 0.96 moles of CO2 molecules are produced.