Calculating the volume of individual solution(s) [Mole/Atoms Concept]

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the volumes of various solutions involved in a chemical process, specifically focusing on tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), ethanol, and water in relation to silicon dioxide (SiO2). Participants explore stoichiometric relationships and the implications of density in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their calculations, noting that their results seem improbable and requests assistance.
  • Another participant challenges the assumption that the mass of the solutions can equate to the mass of SiO2, suggesting it is higher due to additional components.
  • There is a suggestion to consider stoichiometry in the calculations, although some participants express confusion about constructing equations.
  • Participants discuss the number of moles of SiO2 and its relationship to TEOS, indicating that 80g of SiO2 corresponds to a specific number of moles.
  • One participant calculates the mass and volume of TEOS based on the number of moles derived from SiO2, while also calculating the amounts for water and ethanol.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the equivalence between moles of SiO2 and TEOS follows stoichiometric principles without needing the exact reaction equation.
  • There is a discussion about the educational background of participants, with one expressing a lack of chemistry training in an engineering context, which may affect their understanding of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the assumptions regarding mass equivalence and stoichiometric calculations. Some agree on the stoichiometric relationships, while others express confusion or uncertainty about the necessary equations and concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the assumption of no volume change upon mixing, which may not hold true in practice. There is also a mention of varying educational backgrounds affecting the understanding of stoichiometry and chemical equations.

jisbon
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Homework Statement
80 g solid ##SiO_{2}## is made by mixing liquid tetraethyl orthosilicate
##(Si(OC_{2}H_{5})_{4})##, ethanol ##(C_{2}H_{5}OH)##, and water at room temperature to form a
solution. The total volume of the solution is 700 ml. The ratio of the number of
water molecules to that of Si atoms is 4:1. The solution is then processed, which
involves various heat treatments, to form solid ##SiO_{2}##. The mass densities of ##SiO_{2}##,
##(Si(OC_{2}H_{5})_{4})##, ##(C_{2}H_{5}OH)## and water are 2.2 g/cm3, 0.934 g/cm3, 0.801 g/cm3 and 1g/cm3, respectively. Assume that all Si atoms have been converted to ##SiO_{2}##.
Calculate the volume of tetraethyl orthosilicate, ethanol and water in the solution (give
your answer in ml).
Relevant Equations
amt = mass/mr
density = mass/volume
no. of atoms = amt * ##(6.02*10^{23})##
My answer seems to be way-off/improbable, so I figured something is wrong with it.

From the periodic table,
Mr of tetraethyl orthosilicate = 208.33
Mr of ethanol = 46.069
Mr of water = 18.015
Mr of SiO2 = 60.084

Let the volume of tetraethyl orthosilicate, ethanol and water be x,y,z ml respectively.
x + y + z =700 --- (1)
Since density = mass/volume,

Mass of tetraethyl orthosilicate = 0.934x
Mass of ethanol = 0.801y
Mass of water = z

Since the mass of SiO2 is 80g, can I assume the mass of the above solutions equates to 80g?

If I can:

0.934x+0.801y+z = 80? --- (2)

Also, since ratio of water molecules to Si atoms is 4:1,
No. of Si atoms = amt of Si * (6.02*10^23)
= 0.934x/208.33 * (6.02*10^23)
= 2.69*10^21 x
Amt of water = z/18.015

1579050833138.png

z= 0.3219x ---- (3)

Solving equations 1,2 and 3,

my values are weird and definitely incorrect (there were some negatives).

Any ideas? Cheers
 
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jisbon said:
Since the mass of SiO2 is 80g, can I assume the mass of the above solutions equates to 80g?

No, it is much higher, as it contains much more than just SiO2.

Think about the stoichiometry of the process.
 
Borek said:
No, it is much higher, as it contains much more than just SiO2.

Think about the stoichiometry of the process.
Am I supposed to construct an equation for this? I wasn't taught any forms of them and hence not sure about this :/
 
You are told all you need. You have 80 g SiO2 - how many moles is that? How many moles of Si atoms? So how many moles of TEOS? What is the mass of TEOS? The volume? How many moles of water? Mass? Volume? Volume of ethanol?
(Note: this assumes no volume change on mixing, which isn't true, but you have to assume it to answer the question.)
 
mjc123 said:
You are told all you need. You have 80 g SiO2 - how many moles is that? How many moles of Si atoms? So how many moles of TEOS? What is the mass of TEOS? The volume? How many moles of water? Mass? Volume? Volume of ethanol?
(Note: this assumes no volume change on mixing, which isn't true, but you have to assume it to answer the question.)
Amount of SiO2 is 80/60.084 = 1.331 mol
This means there are 1.331 mol of Si atoms, which in turn mean 1.331 mol of TEOS?
 
OK so far
 
mjc123 said:
OK so far
Alright. So with 1.331 mol of TEOS, I can find the volume of it by:
Mass of TEOS = Mr * amt
= 208.33*1.331
Volume of TEOS = 208.33*1.331/2.2 = 126.03ml

Amt of water = 4*1.331
Mass = 18.015*4*1.331
Volume of water = (18.015*4*1.331)/1=95.91ml
Volume of ethanol = 700 - 126.03-95.91?

thanks
 
Right. All you're missing is the final answer.
 
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Note: equivalence between moles of SiO2 and TEOS means you just followed stoichiometry - you don't need exact reaction equation for that, you need just a ratio of the substances involved.
 
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  • #10
jisbon said:
Am I supposed to construct an equation for this? I wasn't taught any forms of them and hence not sure about this :/
At your school you are being taught stoichiometry before learning chemical equations? I’ve taught HS chemistry, AP and pre-AP chemistry and that NEVER happened! You have my sympathies!😟
 
  • #11
chemisttree said:
At your school you are being taught stoichiometry before learning chemical equations? I’ve taught HS chemistry, AP and pre-AP chemistry and that NEVER happened! You have my sympathies!😟
Thing is this course I am currently learning is actually under Engineering: Intro to materials. So I didn't really have any chemistry background hahas :(
 

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