(NH_4)_2Cr_2O_7 (s) -> N2 (g) + 4H_2O (g) + Cr_2O_3 (s) + 200 kJ. What is the molar ratio?

1 Answer
Jul 6, 2016

The molar ratio is as you have written.

Explanation:

(NH_4)_2Cr_2O_7(g) rarr N_2(g) + 4H_2O(l) + Cr_2O_3(s) + Delta

This is a stoichiometrically balanced equation. It tells us explicitly that 252.1*g of ammonium chromate decomposes under heating to give 14*g of dinitrogen gas, 72*g of water, and 152*g chromium(III) oxide. If you add up the product and reactant masses, you will see that they agree; and they must agree, that is mass is conserved in every chemical reaction.

So in molar terms, 1 mol "ammonium dichromate" decomposes to give 1 mol "dinitrogen gas" + etc. If you are not satisfied, voice your objections, and someone here will have another go.