what is the mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide

Breiz Heurope

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11-03-2025

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Meta Description: Discover the mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide in complete combustion. This detailed guide explains the stoichiometry of the reaction, providing a step-by-step calculation and real-world applications. Understand the balanced chemical equation and master mole ratio calculations.

The mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide is a crucial concept in stoichiometry, a branch of chemistry dealing with the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions. Understanding this ratio is essential for various applications, from calculating fuel efficiency to predicting the amount of greenhouse gases produced during combustion. This article will break down how to determine this ratio.

Understanding the Combustion of Butane

Butane (C₄H₁₀) is a hydrocarbon that undergoes combustion – a rapid reaction with oxygen (O₂) – to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). This reaction releases a significant amount of energy, making butane a useful fuel source. The balanced chemical equation for the complete combustion of butane is:

2C₄H₁₀(g) + 13O₂(g) → 8CO₂(g) + 10H₂O(g)

This equation tells us that two molecules of butane react with thirteen molecules of oxygen to produce eight molecules of carbon dioxide and ten molecules of water.

Calculating the Mole Ratio

The mole ratio represents the proportional relationship between the moles of two substances in a balanced chemical equation. To find the mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide in this reaction, we look at the coefficients in the balanced equation:

• Coefficient of butane (C₄H₁₀): 2
• Coefficient of carbon dioxide (CO₂): 8

Therefore, the mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide is 2:8, which simplifies to 1:4.

This means that for every one mole of butane completely combusted, four moles of carbon dioxide are produced.

Applications of the Mole Ratio

Knowing the mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide has practical applications in various fields:

• Environmental Science: Calculating the amount of CO₂ emissions from the burning of butane fuels helps assess its environmental impact and inform strategies for carbon reduction.
• Engineering: In the design of combustion engines, understanding the mole ratio is crucial for optimizing fuel efficiency and minimizing emissions.
• Chemical Industry: The mole ratio is vital in industrial processes involving butane combustion, ensuring the correct proportions of reactants are used for maximum yield.

Why is this ratio important?

The 1:4 mole ratio allows us to perform stoichiometric calculations. For example, if we know the amount of butane burned, we can precisely calculate the amount of carbon dioxide produced. This is crucial for controlling emissions and designing efficient processes. Conversely, if we measure the amount of CO₂ produced, we can determine the amount of butane initially consumed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What happens if the combustion of butane is incomplete?

A: Incomplete combustion occurs when there's insufficient oxygen. This produces carbon monoxide (CO) and/or soot (carbon) in addition to CO₂ and H₂O. The mole ratios will then differ significantly.

Q: How does temperature affect the mole ratio?

A: The mole ratio itself doesn't change with temperature, but the rate of the reaction does. Higher temperatures generally lead to faster combustion.

Q: Can I use this mole ratio for other hydrocarbons?

A: No. Each hydrocarbon has a unique balanced combustion equation and, therefore, a unique mole ratio of hydrocarbon to carbon dioxide. You must determine the balanced equation for each specific hydrocarbon.

This understanding of the mole ratio is fundamental in chemistry and has significant real-world implications across various disciplines. Remember, always ensure you have a correctly balanced chemical equation before calculating mole ratios.