How Much P4S10 Can Be Made from 10g P4 and 30g S8?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the amount of P4S10 that can be produced from given quantities of P4 and S8. The balanced chemical equation is identified as 4P4 + 5S8 -> 5P4S10, with P4 being the limiting reactant. Initial calculations for moles of each reactant are provided, but an error in the final mass of P4S10 is noted. The correct approach involves ensuring the balanced equation accurately reflects the stoichiometry of the reaction. The participant ultimately resolves their confusion and expresses gratitude for the assistance received.
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Homework Statement



Under appropriate conditions, the reaction of elemental phosphorus and elemental sulfur produces the compound P4S10. How much P4S10 can be prepared starting with 10.0 g of P4 and 30.0 g of S8?
Answer 35.9g

2. Step Sources
I'm following the steps from
"General Chemistry: principles and patterns v1" by Bruce Averill and Patricia Eldredge
Chapter 3.4
1. Determine the number of moles of each reactant.
2. Compare the mole ratio of the reactants with the ratio in the balanced chemical equation to determine which reactant is limiting.
3. Calculate the number of moles of product that can be obtained from the limiting reactant.
4. Convert the number of moles of product to mass of product.


3. My attempt thus far
Balanced Equation: 4P4 + 5S8 -> 5(P4S10)
(perhaps this is the source of my inaccuracy)

1. moles: P4 = .081
s8 = .1169
Limiting Reagent is P4

2. comparing coefficients (stoichiometric moles): .081 molP4 x (5molP4S10 / 4 mol p4) = (.081 x 5)/4 = .100875 mol of P4S10
4. .100875 x molar mass of p4s10 = 44.83 grams.

This is however incorrect.
I get the correct answer when multiplying strait out the moles of p4 (.0807) by the molar mass of P4S10. Is my balanced equation wrong?

Any help is appreciated!
 
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Count atoms of any element of the LHS (left hand side) and on the RHS of the reaction equation. Are they equal?
 
Borek said:
Count atoms of any element of the LHS (left hand side) and on the RHS of the reaction equation. Are they equal?

:approve:
I'm trying to teach myself chemistry and balancing equations is still a weakness.
I got it now thank you
 
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