Exciting Experiment with Silicon Carbide!

How many grams of silicon carbide can be formed from 25.0 g of graphite and 25.0 g of silicon dioxide?

Are you ready to find out the answer to this fascinating chemistry question?

Answer:

Approximately 16.82 grams of silicon carbide can be formed from 25.0 grams of graphite and 25.0 grams of silicon dioxide.

Silicon carbide, also known as carborundum, is a remarkable substance that is very hard and abrasive. The compound is prepared by heating silicon dioxide in the presence of graphitic carbon. In this experiment, we are given 25.0 grams of graphite and 25.0 grams of silicon dioxide, and we want to determine how many grams of silicon carbide can be formed.

To solve this question, we need to calculate the limiting reagent first. The limiting reagent is the reactant that is completely consumed and determines the maximum amount of product formed. By calculating the moles of graphite and silicon dioxide, we can determine which one is the limiting reagent.

After the calculations, it was determined that silicon dioxide is the limiting reagent in this reaction. The moles of silicon carbide formed from 25.0 grams of graphite and 25.0 grams of silicon dioxide is approximately 16.82 grams. This value was obtained by using the mole ratios from the balanced equation and calculating the mass of silicon carbide formed.

This exciting experiment showcases the importance of stoichiometry and understanding the concept of limiting reagents in chemical reactions.