Given the combustion reaction for propane C3H8 + 5O2 --- 3CO2 + 4H2O If 30.0 moles of carbon dioxide are produced during the combustion of a certain amount of propane, how many moles of propane were combusted?

Question

Given the combustion reaction for propane C3H8 + 5O2 ---> 3CO2 + 4H2O  If 30.0 moles of carbon dioxide are produced during the combustion of a certain amount of propane, how many moles of propane were combusted?

dtan5457 · Answer

The ratios for moles must be equal. 

1.30 moles of CO2 means that they multiplied the product 3CO2 by 10.

2. Propane is C3H8 and originally one mole. 

3. Therefore you multiply C3H8 by 10 (to keep the reaction proportional).