Reaction stoichiometry is the aspect of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships, or ratios, between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. Once a chemical equation is balanced, these ratios can be used to determine how much of a reactant is needed to create a certain amount of product or how much product can be formed from a given amount of reactant.
Applying Stoichiometry to Problems
In the provided exercise, once we know the moles of Cu(NO3)2, we use the stoichiometry of the reaction to determine how many moles of KI are needed. According to the balanced chemical equation, the ratio of KI to Cu(NO3)2 is 4:2, or simply 2:1.To solve a stoichiometry problem effectively:
- Start by writing the balanced chemical equation.
- Determine the molar ratio between the reactants and products you are interested in.
- Use the molar ratio to calculate the moles of one substance if the moles of another are known.
If you take these steps, you will approach stoichiometry problems with ease. The key is always to ensure you are working with a balanced equation and you understand the molar relationships it describes. With practice, reaction stoichiometry will change from a complex concept into a powerful tool that you can use with confidence.