Suppose 2.2 g of hydrochloric acid is mixed with 1.61 g of sodium hydroxide. Calculate the maximum mass of sodium chloride that could be produced by the chemical reaction. Be sure your answer has the correct number of significant digits.

We can produce 2.35 grams sodium chloride

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Mass of hydrochloric acid = 2.2 grams

Molar mass of hydrochloric acid (HCl) = 36.46 g/mol

Mass of sodium hydroxide = 1.61 grams

Molar mass of sodium hydroxide = 40.0 g/mol

Step 2: The balanced equation

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O

Step 3: Calculate moles HCl

Moles HCl = mass HCl / molar mass HCl

Moles HCl = 2.2 grams / 36.46 g/mol

Moles HCl = 0.0603 moles

Step 4: Calculate moles NaOH

Moles NaOH = 1.61 grams / 40.0 g/mol

Moles NaOH = 0.0403 moles

Step 5: Calculate the limiting reactant

NaOH is the limiting reactant. It will completely be consumed (0.0403 moles). HCl is in excess. There will react 0.04025 moles. There will remain 0.0603 - 0.0403 = 0.0200 moles

Step 6: Calculate moles sodium chloride

For 1 mol HCl we need 1 mol NaOH to produce 1 mol NaCl and 1 mol H2O

For 0.0403 moles NaOH we'll have 0.0403 moles NaCl

Step 7: Calculate mass NaCl

Mass NaCl = moles NaCl * molar mass NaCl

Mass NaCl = 0.0403 moles * 58.44 g/mol

Mass NaCl = 2.35 grams

We can produce 2.35 grams sodium chloride