Question

A 3.5 gram sample of sodium hydrogen carbonate is added to a solution of acetic acid massing 10.4 grams. The two substances react, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. After the reaction, the contents of the vessel masses 12.2 grams. What is the mass of carbon dioxide released during the reaction?

Answer 1

$NaHCO_3(s) + CH_3COOH(l) \to CH_3COONa(s) + H_2O(l) + CO_2(g)$

Only CO_2 is in gaseous phase.So,any mass loss will be accounted to release of Co_2.

By law of conservation of mass,

Mass of Sodium Bicarbonate$+$ Mass of acetic acid$=$ Mass of vessel$+ M_{CO_2}$

$\implies 3.5+10.4=12.2 +M_{CO_2}$

$\implies M_{CO_2}=1.7 \ g$