What is the stoichiometric relationship in the reaction between zinc (Zn) and iodine (I₂) to form zinc iodide (ZnI₂)?
The subject under examination is the stoichiometric relationship in a chemical reaction, specifically the reaction of zinc (Zn) and iodine (I₂) to form zinc iodide (ZnI₂). According to the balanced equation, Zn + I₂ -> ZnI₂, one atom of Zn reacts with one molecule of I₂ to produce one molecule of ZnI₂. In this scenario, if 565 atoms of Zn completely react with 565 molecules of I₂, 565 molecules of ZnI₂ will result. This is due to the 1:1:1 stoichiometry of the reaction.
Understanding Stoichiometry in the Zn and I₂ Reaction
Stoichiometry is the calculation of quantitative relationships in chemical reactions based on the number of atoms, molecules, or moles involved. In the case of the reaction between zinc (Zn) and iodine (I₂) to produce zinc iodide (ZnI₂), the stoichiometry is crucial in determining the amount of reactants needed and products formed.
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
Zn(s) + I₂(s) -> ZnI₂(aq)
From the equation, we can see that one atom of zinc reacts with one molecule of iodine to form one molecule of zinc iodide. This 1:1:1 ratio indicates that the stoichiometry of the reaction is straightforward. Therefore, if 565 atoms of Zn react with 565 molecules of I₂, 565 molecules of ZnI₂ will result.
Stoichiometry allows chemists to predict the amount of products formed in a reaction based on the amounts of reactants present. It is a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps in understanding the relationship between the quantities of substances involved in a chemical reaction.
In conclusion, the stoichiometric relationship in the reaction between zinc and iodine to form zinc iodide follows a 1:1:1 ratio, where one atom of Zn reacts with one molecule of I₂ to produce one molecule of ZnI₂. Therefore, if 565 atoms of Zn completely react with 565 molecules of I₂, 565 molecules of ZnI₂ will result.