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A scientist finds that one volume of an unknown gas \(X\) combines with two volumes of another gas \(\mathrm{Y}\) to form two volumes of a new gas with a formula \(\mathrm{XY}_{2}\). Are any of the gases diatomic? Write a balanced equation for this reaction.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Yes, gases X and Y might be diatomic: \( \text{X}_2 + 2\text{Y}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{XY}_2 \).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Volume Ratios

We start by reviewing the problem. It states that 1 volume of gas \(X\) reacts with 2 volumes of gas \(Y\) to form 2 volumes of \(XY_2\). According to Avogadro's law, equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and pressure contain an equal number of molecules. This means the volume ratios can reflect molar ratios.
02

Analyzing the Molecular Formulas

Based on the information, \(1\) mole of \(X\) reacts with \(2\) moles of \(Y\) to produce \(2\) moles of the compound \(XY_2\). Since this matches the stoichiometry of the formula \(XY_2\), it suggests that the compound is produced directly in a 1:2 ratio from \(X\) and \(Y\).
03

Determining if the Gases are Diatomic

Now we consider the possible diatomic nature of gases. A gas like \(H_2\), \(N_2\), \(O_2\), etc., typically exists in a diatomic form. Given our balanced reaction from step 2, it is consistent with the information that both \(X\) and \(Y\) could be diatomic because they still can produce 2 volumes of \(XY_2\) from such a combination.
04

Writing the Balanced Equation

Given the stoichiometric relationships and the possibility of diatomic gases, each molecule of \(X_2\) (as a diatomic gas) requires \(2\) molecules of \(Y_2\) to form \(2\) molecules of \(XY_2\). Thus, if we assume both \(X\) and \(Y\) are diatomic, the balanced chemical equation would be \[ \text{X}_2 + 2\text{Y}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{XY}_2 \].

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Avogadro's Law
Avogadro's Law is a fundamental principle in chemistry that helps us understand the behavior of gases. It states that equal volumes of gases, at the same temperature and pressure, contain the same number of molecules. This means that when we talk about the volume of a gas, we can directly relate it to the amount (or moles) of the gas.

This relationship is valuable in chemical reactions, as it allows chemists to use volumes to determine ratios of reactants and products. For example, if 1 liter of gas A reacts with 2 liters of gas B and produces 2 liters of product, Avogadro's Law suggests that 1 mole of A reacts with 2 moles of B to produce 2 moles of the product.
  • Enables translation of volume ratios into molar ratios.
  • Assumes ideal behavior of gases where they exhibit similar properties under the same conditions.
  • Essential for solving chemical equations involving gases.
Diatomic Gases
Diatomic gases are an interesting group of elements that naturally exist as molecules composed of two atoms each. The most common examples include hydrogen (\( H_2 \)), nitrogen (\( N_2 \)), and oxygen (\( O_2 \)). These diatomic forms are stable and tend to be more reactive than monoatomic gases.

When considering chemical reactions, particularly those involving the formation of compounds like \( XY_2 \), the diatomic nature of reactants can influence the stoichiometry. For instance, if \( X \) and \( Y \) are both assumed to be diatomic, this means they are present as \( X_2 \) and \( Y_2 \), respectively. This impacts the balanced chemical equation, as diatomic gases need to bond with more atoms to stabilize.

In our scenario, identifying \( X \) and \( Y \) as diatomic aligns with their ability to form a stable two-volume product of \( XY_2 \).
  • Diatomic gases are prevalent in nature due to their stable molecular forms.
  • These gases often participate in chemical reactions as a single unit (molecule).
  • Understanding their nature helps in predicting reaction outcomes accurately.
Balanced Chemical Equation
A balanced chemical equation is essential for representing the stoichiometry of a chemical reaction accurately. It ensures that the number of each type of atom on the reactant side equals the number on the product side, according to the Law of Conservation of Mass.

In the provided reaction between gases \( X \) and \( Y \), a balanced equation takes into account the assumptions that both gases are diatomic, forming the compound \( XY_2 \). This results in: \[ X_2 + 2Y_2 \rightarrow 2XY_2 \]

This equation reflects that:
  • One molecule of \( X_2 \) reacts with two molecules of \( Y_2 \).
  • The product formed, \( XY_2 \), illustrates the conservation of volume, as according to Avogadro's Law, the number of moles is proportional to the number of volumes.
  • Efficiently balancing equations is crucial for predicting reactants' and products' quantities in chemical reactions.
Understanding how to balance equations helps in grasping the quantitative aspects of chemical reactions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A gas occupies a volume of \(0.120 \mathrm{~m}^{3}\) at a pressure of \(12 \mathrm{kPa}\); what will the volume of the gas be at a pressure of \(25 \mathrm{kPa}\) and the same temperature?

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A child dips a straw into a glass of milk and covers the top end with his finger. Why doesn't the milk spill out of the straw when he lifts the straw out of the glass? Why, when he removes his finger, does the milk now spill out of the straw?

Why do most barometers use liquid mercury, a toxic metal, rather than, say, water or alcohol, as a medium for measuring atmospheric pressure?

Acetylene, \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}(g)\), is prepared by the reaction of calcium carbide, \(\mathrm{CaC}_{2}(g)\), with water, as described by the balanced chemical equation $$ \mathrm{CaC}_{2}(s)+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l) \rightarrow \mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}(s)+\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}(g) $$ What volume of \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}(g)\) can be obtained from \(100.0\) grams of \(\mathrm{CaC}_{2}(s)\) and \(100.0\) grams of water at \(0{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and \(1.00 \mathrm{~atm} ?\) What volume results when the temperature is \(125^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and the pressure is \(1.00 \mathrm{~atm} ?\)

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