How are mole ratios derived from balance equations?

1 Answer
May 12, 2017

From the stoichiometric coefficients of the given equation.

Explanation:

So you have the got the equation, and mass and charge are balanced, as they must be if the reaction reflects physical reality:

#CH_4(g) + 2O_2(g) rarr CO_2(g) +2H_2O(g) + Delta#

The mole ration simply follows the ratio of the stoichiometric coefficients: #1:2:1:2#, i.e. #16*g# methane is oxidized by #64*g# of dioxygen to #44*g# of carbon, and #36*g# of water. Mass and charge are balanced.....................

And see this old question.