Problem 118 - Chemistry The Molecular Science

Question

Chemical equations can be interpreted on either a nanoscale level (atoms, molecules, ions) or a mole level (moles of reactants and products). Write word statements to describe the combustion of butane on a nanoscale level and a mole level. $$2 \mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10}(\mathrm{~g})+13 \mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}) \longrightarrow 8 \mathrm{CO}_{2}(\mathrm{~g})+10 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(\ell)$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

On a nanoscale: 2 molecules of butane react with 13 of oxygen to produce 8 of \( \text{CO}_2 \) and 10 of \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \). Mole level: same ratios in moles.

Step 1: Understand the Chemical Equation

The given equation represents a chemical reaction where butane \((\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10})\) combusts in oxygen \((\text{O}_2)\) to produce carbon dioxide \((\text{CO}_2)\) and water \((\text{H}_2\text{O})\). Combustion is a type of chemical reaction that involves the burning of a substance in the presence of oxygen.

Step 2: Interpret on a Nanoscale Level

On a nanoscale, the equation can be described in terms of individual molecules. For the combustion of butane: 2 molecules of butane \((\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10})\) react with 13 molecules of oxygen \((\text{O}_2)\) to produce 8 molecules of carbon dioxide \((\text{CO}_2)\) and 10 molecules of water \((\text{H}_2\text{O})\).

Step 3: Interpret on a Mole Level

On a mole level, the same equation can be described in terms of moles. For the combustion of butane: 2 moles of butane \((\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10})\) react with 13 moles of oxygen \((\text{O}_2)\) to produce 8 moles of carbon dioxide \((\text{CO}_2)\) and 10 moles of water \((\text{H}_2\text{O})\).

Key Concepts

Nanoscale Level

When we discuss chemical equations at the nanoscale level, we are zooming into the tiniest components of the reaction, which includes atoms and molecules. Imagine looking at the very basic building blocks that make up the substances involved in our reaction. For the combustion of butane, the nanoscale interpretation specifically deals with numbers of molecules.
On this scale, the equation: \(2 \mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} + 13 \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow 8 \mathrm{CO}_{2} + 10 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) breaks down as follows:

• 2 molecules of butane \((\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10})\) react with
• 13 molecules of oxygen \((\text{O}_2)\) to form
• 8 molecules of carbon dioxide \((\text{CO}_2)\) and
• 10 molecules of water \((\text{H}_2\text{O})\).

This scale provides a critical visual perspective on how molecules combine and rearrange specifically during a chemical reaction. It emphasizes individual molecular interactions, an essential element for understanding chemistry at a detailed level.

Mole Level

The mole is a convenient unit in chemistry that allows chemists to count particles like atoms, molecules, and ions in a more manageable way. It simplifies calculations when dealing with chemical reactions. A single mole corresponds to \(6.022 \times 10^{23}\) entities, also known as Avogadro's number.
In the context of the butane combustion reaction, we translate the nanoscale molecular quantities into quantities that are easier to handle in a laboratory setting.
Based on the equation: \(2 \mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} + 13 \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow 8 \mathrm{CO}_{2} + 10 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\):

• 2 moles of butane \((\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10})\) react with
• 13 moles of oxygen \((\text{O}_2)\) to produce
• 8 moles of carbon dioxide \((\text{CO}_2)\) and
• 10 moles of water \((\text{H}_2\text{O})\).

Understanding this mole level helps identify how much of each reactant is needed to completely consume another and how much of each product is formed in a reaction. It's a comprehensive way to apply the concept of balancing chemical equations in theoretical and practical experiments.

Combustion Reaction

Combustion reactions are a class of chemical reactions where a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of light and heat. They are typically exothermic, meaning they generate heat.
In the case of butane combustion, \(\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10}\) serves as the fuel, and \(\text{O}_2\) is the oxidizer causing the reaction. When these substances interact, they produce carbon dioxide \(\text{CO}_2\) and water \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\), releasing energy that can be used for heating or powering engines.

• Initially, the significance of combustion reactions can be observed in daily life, such as in car engines and gas stovetops.
• They play an essential role in various industrial applications for energy production.

Combustion reactions not only highlight energy transformations but also emphasize the importance of oxygen in chemical reactions. Understanding these reactions is fundamental in fields ranging from environmental science to engineering, allowing us to harness energy efficiently while considering the environmental impact.