Question

It takes one oxygen to combine with two hydrogen atoms to form water. What is the mass ratio of oxygen to hydrogen? 1 to 2 4 to 1 8 to 1 2 to 1

Answer 1

8 to 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

• Oxygen combines with hydrogen atoms to form water according to the balanced equation:

O₂ + 2H₂ → 2H₂O.

It is clear that one mole of oxygen combines with two moles of hydrogen atoms to form 2 moles of water.

So, the molar ratio of oxygen to hydrogen is (1 to 2).

• The mass of 1 mole of oxygen = (no. of moles)(molar mass) = (1 mol)(32.0 g/mol) = 32.0 g.

• The mass of 2 moles of hydrogen = (no. of moles)(molar mass) = (2 mol)(2.0 g/mol) = 4.0 g.

So, the mass ratio of oxygen to hydrogen (32.0 g/4.0 g) = (8: 1).