Chapter 11, Problem 107A

Apply When a campfire begins to die down and smolder, you can rekindle the flame by fanning the fire. Explain, in terms of stoichiometry, why the fire again begins 10 flare up when fanned.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason due to which fire begins to flare up when fanned needs to be explained in terms of stoichiometry.

Concept introduction:

The stoichiometric calculations are based on mole concept. They are based on different steps like calculation of mass and moles, interpret the mole ratio and further calculate of mass of desired product. The mole concept provides the relation between moles, mass and molar mass.

Answer to Problem 107A

During the fanning of fire, the supply of excess oxygen (excess reactant) burns the remaining coal (limiting reactant) that rekindle the fire.

Explanation of Solution

In the campfire, the coal burns in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. While burning carbon dioxide and water vapor produce as the product of combustion. Once campfire begins to die down the fire can rekindle by fanning as it provides the excess of oxygen to the combustion process. In the presence of excess of oxygen, the remaining coal also burns completely. When oxygen was limiting reagent, the campfire begins to die down but fanning makes it excess reactant and leads to formation of more product.

Conclusion

Combustion reaction depends on the presence of oxygen gas and leads to formation of carbon dioxide and water vapor.