Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around a chemistry homework problem involving the combustion of a mixture of methane and ethane in the presence of excess oxygen, followed by the absorption of carbon dioxide by potassium hydroxide (KOH). Participants explore the products of combustion and the subsequent chemical reactions involved.
Discussion Character
- Homework-related
- Technical explanation
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- One participant asks for hints regarding the volume of gas absorbed by KOH after the combustion of methane and ethane.
- Another participant inquires about the products of combustion for methane and ethane when sparked with oxygen.
- Responses suggest that water and carbon dioxide are the products of combustion.
- Participants discuss the nature of carbon dioxide as an acidic oxide and its reaction with alkaline solutions like KOH, indicating that CO2 will be absorbed by KOH.
- One participant proposes the balanced equations for the combustion of methane and ethane, initially stating that 10 cm³ of each gas produces 10 cm³ and 20 cm³ of CO2, respectively.
- Another participant points out that the combustion equations need to be balanced before determining the mole ratios.
- A later reply provides the corrected balanced equations for the combustion reactions, leading to a revised calculation of total CO2 produced as 30 cm³.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
There is no consensus on the final answer regarding the volume of gas absorbed by KOH, as participants are still discussing the balancing of equations and the implications for the total volume of CO2 produced.
Contextual Notes
Participants have not fully resolved the balancing of combustion equations, which affects the calculations of CO2 produced. The discussion includes assumptions about the completeness of reactions and the behavior of gases in the context of the problem.