A sealed container is represented on the particulate level as follows
CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · AP · Chemistry · Chemical Reactions · Chemical Reactions
Problem
A sealed container is represented on the particulate level as follows.
• Red spheres joined in pairs represent O2 molecules.
• White spheres joined in pairs represent H2 molecules.
• Each H2O molecule is shown as two white spheres bonded to one red sphere.
Inside the container you observe 2 red–red pairs (O2), 2 white–white pairs (H2), and 1 H2O molecule.
A student claims that this diagram depicts the reaction
2 H2(g) + O2(g) → 2 H2O(g)
occurring to completion with no excess reactants.
Evaluate the student’s claim by analyzing the particulate representation in terms of the law of conservation of mass and correct stoichiometric ratios.
(a) Determine whether the particulate diagram is consistent with the balanced chemical equation provided. Clearly justify your answer by comparing atom counts of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
(b) If the diagram is inconsistent with the balanced equation, describe precisely how the particles in the diagram must be changed (added, removed, or rearranged) so that the diagram would accurately represent one full completion of the reaction with no leftover reactants.