Reaction Stoichiometry Calculator
Stoichiometry Calculator
- Use the symbol = to separate the reactants from the products.
- It is not allowed to specify the state of the compounds, (s) for solid, (g) for gaseous or (l) for liquid. If the state of the compounds is specified in the equation that you are going to enter, eliminate them from the equation. Example: To enter the equation 2Na(s) + Cl2(g) ⟶ 2NaCl(s), we ignore (s) and (g), writing 2Na+Cl2 = 2NaCl.
- Write the symbols of the elements using capital letters for the first letter. For example for Manganese write Mn.
- Parentheses ( ), square brackets [ ], and braces { } are allowed.
- To introduce an ion you must write its charge between braces after the compound, {+3} or {3+}. Example: H{+} + CO3{2-} = H2O + CO2
- To enter hydrates you must separate the compound from the water molecule using the symbol · or an asterisk *. Example: ZnSO4·7H2O
- To introduce electrons use {-}. Example: Cl2+2{-}=2Cl{-}
Syntax Examples
| Chemical Equation | Input |
|---|---|
| 4Al + 3O2 → 2 Al2O3 | 4Al+3O2 = 2Al2O3 |
| Pb(OH)4 + 4HNO2 → Pb(NO2)4 + 4H2O | Pb(OH)4 + HNO2 = Pb(NO2)4 + H2O |
| H+ + CO32− → H2O + CO2 | H{+}+CO3{2-}=H2O+CO2 |
| Fe3+ + e− → Fe | Fe{3+}+{-}=Fe |
| ZnSO4·7H2O → ZnSO4 + 7H2O | ZnSO4*7H2O = ZnSO4 + 7H2O |
What is stoichiometry?
Stoichiometry definition: In chemistry, stoichiometry is the calculation of the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in the course of a chemical reaction.
Thanks to the stoichiometric calculation, it is possible to know the amount of reactants that must be used in a reaction to obtain a certain amount of products.
In order to use stoichiometry, it is necessary to first balance the chemical equation for the reaction. This involves determining the correct ratios of the reactants and products in the reaction, so that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Once the equation is balanced, it is possible to use the coefficients (the numbers in front of the chemical formulas) to calculate the amounts of reactants and products.
How to do stoichiometry
- Write the chemical equation as it appears in the proposed problem or exercise.
- If necessary, balance the chemical equation. From the balanced equation we can know the number of molecules of a product that can be obtained from a certain number of molecules of the reactants. Think of the stoichiometric coefficient as the number of moles that react or are formed. For example, if we have the balanced reaction:
2 H2O → 2 H2 + O2
the stoichiometric coefficients would indicate that for every molecule of water (H2O) two molecules of hydrogen (H2) and one molecule of oxygen (O2) will be formed.
- Calculate the molecular mass of each compound present in the reaction. Continuing with the previous reaction, the molecular mass of each compound involved is as follows: Mwater = 18 u ; Mhydrogen = 2 u ; Moxygen = 32 u. If we consider the stoichiometric coefficients as moles, we will have
| 2 H2O → | 2 H2 | + O2 |
| 2 moles of water | 2 moles of hydrogen | 1 mole of oxigen |
| 2moles·18g/mol = 36g of water | 2moles·2g/mol = 4g of hydrogen | 1 mole·32g/mol = 32g of oxigen |
The importance of stoichiometry
The importance of stoichiometry in chemistry cannot be overstated. This branch of chemistry is concerned with the relationships between the quantities of substances involved in chemical reactions, and allows chemists to predict the amounts of reactants and products based on the balanced chemical equation for the reaction.
One of the primary applications of stoichiometry is in the field of chemical engineering, where it is used to design and optimize chemical processes. For example, stoichiometry can be used to determine the amount of reactants needed to produce a certain quantity of a product, or to calculate the yield of a reaction. This is critical in the design of industrial processes, where efficiency and cost are key considerations.
Stoichiometry is also important in the study of environmental chemistry, as it allows us to understand the impact of chemical reactions on the environment. By predicting the amounts of reactants and products involved in a reaction, we can assess the potential risks and benefits of a given chemical process and make informed decisions about its use.
In addition to its practical applications, stoichiometry is also a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps students to understand the behavior of chemical systems. By learning about stoichiometry, students can develop their problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of chemistry.
Overall, the importance of stoichiometry cannot be overstated. Whether in the design of chemical processes, the assessment of environmental impacts, or the study of fundamental chemical principles, stoichiometry is a critical tool that helps us to understand and predict the behavior of chemical systems.