How many grams of Zn reacted in this reaction (very easy chemistry question)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a chemistry homework problem involving the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid, specifically focusing on calculating the mass of zinc that reacted based on the volume of hydrogen gas collected. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and application of gas laws.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the moles of Zn reacted using the ideal gas law and arrives at 0.85 g of Zn, while expressing confusion over the expected answer of 0.828 g.
  • Another participant suggests that 0.855 g (0.131 mol) is a correct answer, indicating a potential discrepancy with the textbook answer.
  • A later reply points out the need to correct for the vapor pressure of water, noting that the total pressure includes the vapor pressure and that this correction is necessary to align with the textbook answer.
  • One participant acknowledges the challenge of determining whether the collected gas should be treated as dry or wet, highlighting a common issue among students regarding partial pressures.
  • It is mentioned that a specific vapor pressure value (24.2 mmHg) could resolve the discrepancy in the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct mass of zinc reacted, with some supporting the calculated values of 0.855 g and others referencing the textbook answer of 0.828 g. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct approach to account for vapor pressure.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the treatment of the collected gas as dry or wet, which affects the calculations. The vapor pressure of water at the given temperature is a critical factor that has not been universally agreed upon in the discussion.

PhyIsOhSoHard
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Homework Statement


The reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid is carried out as a source of hydrogen gas in the laboratory:
Zn(s)+2 HCl(aq)\rightarrow ZnCl_2(aq)+H_2(g)

If 325 mL of hydrogen gas is collected over water at 25°C at a total pressure of 748 mm Hg, how many grams of Zn reacted?

Homework Equations


PV=nRT
M=\frac{m}{n}


The Attempt at a Solution


Pressure in atmosphere:
\frac{748 mm Hg}{760 mm Hg/atm}=0.984 atm

Moles of Zn:
n=\frac{PV}{RT}=\frac{0.984 atm\cdot 0.325 L}{0.0821\frac{L\cdot atm}{mol\cdot K}\cdot (25+273)K}=0.013 mol

Grams of Zn:
m=M\cdot n=65.39g/mol\cdot 0.013 mol=0.85 g

I'm supposed to get 0.828 grams so I don't know what it is that I'm doing wrong?
 
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0.855 g (0.131 mol) is a correct answer.
 
Borek said:
0.855 g (0.131 mol) is a correct answer.

But my book's facit says 0.828 so I was worried maybe I had missed something.
 
PhyIsOhSoHard said:
I was worried maybe I had missed something.

Erratum :-p
 
Correct for vapor pressure of water

The problem mentions 'total pressure', so you have to take into account the vapor pressure of water. The vapor pressure of water depends on the temperature, and you can find that on a table.

Subtract it from the total pressure, to find the partial pressure of hydrogen. With this correction, your answer will match the textbook answer.
 
Good point, thank you.

Problem is, we never know at what level is the question asked, so it is rarely clear whether collected gas is to be treated as dry, or not (HS students know nothing about partial pressures). Apparently in this case 24.2 mmHg of water vapor does the trick.
 

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