Problem
Determine the number of moles of CO2 in 454 grams.
Solution
First, look up the atomic masses for carbon and oxygen from the Periodic Table. The atomic mass of C is 12.01 and the atomic mass of O is 16.00. The formula mass of CO2 is:
12.01 + 2(16.00) = 44.01
Thus, one mole of CO2 weights 44.01 grams. This relation provides a conversion factor to go from grams to moles. Using the factor 1 mol/44.01 g:
moles CO2 = 454 g x 1 mol/44.01 g = 10.3 moles
Answer
10.3 moles CO2

