The equivalent weight of carbon is determined by the amount of carbon that combines with a fixed weight of another element, such as oxygen. In the case of carbon dioxide (CO2), it is calculated based on its reaction with oxygen.
Calculating the Equivalent Weight of Carbon in CO2
Here's how the equivalent weight of carbon is derived, based on the provided reference:
- Reaction: In forming one mole of carbon dioxide (CO2), one mole of carbon (12 grams) reacts with one mole of oxygen gas (32 grams).
- Stoichiometry: According to the reference, 12 grams of carbon combines with 32 grams of oxygen to produce 44 grams of CO2.
- Equivalent Weight Definition: The equivalent weight is the weight of an element that combines with or replaces 8 parts by weight of oxygen.
- Calculation:
- If 32 grams of oxygen combine with 12 grams of carbon, we want to find how much carbon combines with 8 grams of oxygen.
- The equivalent weight of carbon can be calculated using the formula:
Equivalent weight of carbon = (Weight of carbon / Weight of oxygen) * 8
- So, the amount of carbon that combines with 8g of oxygen = (12 g carbon / 32 g oxygen) * 8 g oxygen = 3 g carbon.
- Result: Therefore, the equivalent weight of carbon in carbon dioxide (CO2) is 3.
| Component | Weight (g) | Moles |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 12 | 1 |
| Oxygen | 32 | 1 |
| CO2 | 44 | 1 |
Practical Insight
The equivalent weight concept is important in understanding stoichiometry in chemical reactions and is frequently used in titrations and quantitative analysis. The equivalent weight of carbon can vary depending on the compound under consideration.
