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Two days ago, we mentioned that Mole Calculations is the number 1 killer topic in O Level Chemistry, and many students are not doing well for it. In fact, a large number of students skip the calculation-based questions when they see it on examination, fearing that they spend alot of time on that question, and yet could not answer it.

Over the years, this topic is often voted the “Hot Favorite” on students’ challenging topics. Some have

  • problems understanding what the question is asking for,
  • do not know where to start,
  • totally blank when they read the question,
  • too confused with the formulaes to use…WHY?

Let’s check out a typical exam question on Mole Calculations:

Question:

The following equation represents the precipitation reaction between lead (II) nitrate solution and potassium iodide solution.

aPb(NO3)2(aq) + bKI(aq) –> cPbI2(s) + dKNO3(aq)

In an experiment, 20.0g of lead(II) nitrate and 20.0g of potassium iodide were dissolved separately to form 250cm3 of lead (II) nitrate solution and 250cm3 of potassium iodide solution.

(a) Determine a, b, c and d. (2 marks)

(b) Using suitable calculation, identify the limiting reactant. (2 marks)

(c) What is the maximum mass of lead (II) iodide (PbI2) that can be obtained from the experiment? (2 marks)

(d) What is the concentration of potassium nitrate in the reaction mixture when the reaction is completed? Give your answers in mol/dm3. (2 marks)

(e) Write an Ionic Equation for the above reaction and identify the spectator ion(s). (2 marks)

PS: Do let me know your suggested answers in the “Comments Section” below.

Answer:

a) a = 1 , b = 2, c = 1 and d = 2 b) KI is the Limiting Reactant.

c) Maximum mass of PbI2 that can be obtained = 27.8g (to 3 sf)

d) Concentration of KNO3 = 0.241 mol/dm3

e) Ionic Equation: Pb2+(aq) + 2I-(aq) à PbI2(s)

Spectator Ions: NO3-(aq) and K+(aq)

PPS: This is only one type of mole calculation questions. There are many other types of questions that combine several topics together.

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