Calculating Moles of O in 4.5 Moles of P2O5 - Need Help!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the number of moles of oxygen in 4.5 moles of P2O5, as well as a related problem involving the reaction of carbon with hydrogen to form C3H8. The scope includes conceptual understanding of moles and their application in stoichiometry.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in determining how many moles of oxygen are present in 4.5 moles of P2O5.
  • Another participant suggests that the answer is 22.5 moles of oxygen.
  • A different participant introduces a new problem regarding the moles of carbon needed to react with 5.0 moles of hydrogen to form C3H8.
  • Some participants recommend using ratios of the elements to solve the problems.
  • One participant reports calculating 1.875 moles of carbon needed for the reaction, describing it as straightforward yet tricky for beginners.
  • Another participant reflects on the learning process, noting that experts find these problems easier due to their prior struggles with similar concepts.
  • A participant encourages viewing moles in relatable terms, comparing them to a dozen in everyday contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct number of moles of oxygen in P2O5, as one participant proposes an answer while others have not confirmed or challenged it. The discussion includes multiple problems and perspectives, indicating that participants are exploring different aspects of stoichiometry without reaching a definitive agreement.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding and comfort with the concept of moles, indicating a range of assumptions about prior knowledge and the complexity of the problems presented.

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Trying to get my head around moles and molarity. I ran into this problem.

How many moles of O are in 4.5 moles of P2O5? Having trouble figuring it out, can anyone help?
 
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I think I have figured it out...

22.5 moles?
 
New problem I am having difficulty with...

How many moles of C is needed to react with 5.0 moles of H to form C3H8?

Gonna need help with this one!
 
Try using ratios of the elements.
 
bucher said:
Try using ratios of the elements.

Thanks. I got 1.875. pretty easy. Just a bit tricky for a beginner.
 
It's ok. The only reason why it's easy for experts (I'm not necessarily one) is because they struggled with these problems until they picked it up.
 
You already know how to work with moles. Don't think of it as some abstract concept, but rather think of it in terms of something you can relate to. Just think of moles as something like a dozen. How many potatoes, eggs, or ears of corn are in a dozen? You know the answer to this. How many atoms of carbon, hydrogen, platinum are in a mole? It's all the same. If a recipe calls for 6 eggs for every 3 cups of flour, how many dozen eggs would you need for 9 cups of flour? It's the same idea with moles.
 

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