Gas Laws and Chemical Reactions

In this lab tutorial, students learn to use the ideal gas equation PV=nRT to calculate the pressure of carbon dioxide gas generated from a reaction between sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid. The CO2 is captured in a balloon, and its volume is measured by determining the balloon's circumference. The temperature of the gas is assumed to be the same as the solution's temperature. Using stoichiometry, students calculate the moles of CO2 produced and, with the measured volume and temperature, determine the gas pressure inside the balloon.

What is the primary purpose of using the ideal gas equation in this lab?

• To calculate the volume of the balloon

• To measure the amount of sodium bicarbonate used

• To calculate the pressure of the gas inside the balloon

• To determine the temperature of the gas

Which two substances react to produce carbon dioxide gas in this experiment?

• Sodium chloride and acetic acid

• Sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid

• Sodium chloride and hydrochloric acid

• Sodium bicarbonate and hydrochloric acid

Why is sodium bicarbonate placed in the balloon before adding it to the acid?

• To increase the reaction speed

• To ensure the gas is captured efficiently

• To measure the temperature accurately

• To prevent the reaction from occurring

What is the role of the Erlenmeyer flask in this experiment?

• To measure the volume of the gas

• To contain the sodium bicarbonate

• To hold the acetic acid for the reaction

• To measure the temperature of the gas

What is the limiting reactant in the reaction described in the lab?

• Acetic acid

• Sodium bicarbonate

• Carbon dioxide

• Water

How is the volume of the balloon determined in this experiment?

• By calculating its radius

• By measuring its diameter

• By weighing it

• By measuring its circumference

What is the circumference of the balloon as measured in the experiment?

• 43 cm

• 40 cm

• 41 cm

• 42 cm

What is the temperature of the gas assumed to be in this experiment?

• 19°C

• 18°C

• 21°C

• 20°C

Which piece of information is NOT needed to calculate the pressure of the gas inside the balloon?

• Mass of the balloon

• Temperature of the gas

• Volume of the balloon

• Amount of sodium bicarbonate used

What is the final step in the experiment after measuring the temperature?

• Adding more sodium bicarbonate

• Releasing the carbon dioxide

• Calculating the pressure of the gas

• Measuring the mass of the balloon