Which of these mole ratios is possible for this reaction?
4P + 5O2 → 2P2O5

4:5

2:1

1:2

5:2

Question

Which of these mole ratios is possible for this reaction?
4P + 5O2 → 2P2O5


		
4:5
		
2:1
		
1:2
		
5:2

anonymous · Answer

@whpalmer4

whpalmer4 · Answer

Are you supposed to choose all that apply?  Because by my understanding of mole ratios, more than one of the answer choices are correct.

anonymous · Answer

yes @whpalmer4

whpalmer4 · Answer

Okay, well, the mole ratios can be between reactants, reactants and products, or products.  Basically, you just use the coefficients in front of each quantity in a balanced reaction equation to construct the ratios.

For example:

2H2 + O2 --> 2H2O

Ratio of H2 to H2O: 2:2 or 1:1
Ratio of H2 to O2: 2:1
Ratio of O2 to H2O: 1:2
etc.