A mixture of hydrogen and chlorine occupying 36cm3 exploded. On shaking it with water, 4cm3 of hydrogen was left behind. Find the composition of the mixture
Given:
Volume of mixture=36cm3
Volume of hydrogen left=4cm3
Let the initial volume of Cl2=Vcm3
The initial volume of H2=36−Vcm3
The balanced equation is:
H2+Cl2⟶2HCl
So, 1 mole H2 reacts with 1 mole Cl2 and forms 2 moles HCl
Therefore, 1 volume H2 reacts with 1 volume Cl2 and forms 2 volume HCl. Hence, H2 and Cl2 react in equal volumes.
VH2(Initial)−VCl2(Initial)=VH2(Left)
36−V−V=4
V=16cm3
Hence, volume of Cl2 initially =16cm3
Volume of H2 initially =36−16=20cm3