A solution is made by mixing equal masses of methanol, CH 4 O, CH4O, and ethanol, C 2 H 6 O. C2H6O. Determine the mole fraction of each component to at least three significant figures.

X meth = X eth = Xeth=

Answer: The mole fraction of methanol

Xmeth = 0.59

The mole fraction of ethanol

Xeth = 0.41

Explanation:

Mole fraction of a component can be determined by:

Xi = moles of i / total moles of the components the components

Where i indicates the component

An equal mass of 100.0g is assumed for both methanol and ethanol

Molar mass of Methanol (CH4O)

= (1*12) + (4*1) + (1*16) = 32g/mol

Mole of Methanol = mass of methanol / molar mass of methanol

=100/32 = 3.13mol.

Molar mass of ethanol (C2H6O)

= (2*12) + (6*1) + (1*16) = 46.0g/mol

Mole of ethanol = 100/46

= 2.17mol.

Mole fraction of methanol (Xmeth)

= moles of methanol / total moles

Xmeth = 3.13 / (3.13+2.17)

Xmeth = 0.59

Mole fraction of ethanol (Xeth)

= moles of ethanol / total moles

= 2.17 / ((3.13+2.17)

Xeth = 0.41