Which is the correct equation?

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Chemistry Skill P: Which is the correct equation?

Potassium nitrate (KNO3) is a crystalline, white compound which is prepared commercially by reacting potassium chloride and sodium nitrate. Its uses in industry range from acting as a food preservative, to use in the manufacturing of explosives and fertilisers.

This plan is to test which of the following two equations are accurate in measuring the gas products formed from heating KNO3:

  • 2KNO3(s)  ---------->  2K02(s)  +  02(g)
  • 2KNO3(s)  ---------->  K20(s)    +  2NO2(g) + ½ 02(g)

It is noticeable that a different number of moles of gas are produced on heating potassium nitrate in the two equations. To determine which is correct, a calculated amount of potassium nitrate will be heated, and the volume of gas given off will be measured. The number of moles of gas calculated from this volume will provide the answer.

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Safety Precautions:

  • Wear safety glasses at all times to avoid potassium nitrate entering the eye. Should this occur however, immediately wash eyes with water for 10 minutes and seek medical help.
  • Clean up any spillages immediately.
  • Any skin contact with the substance, wash with water immediately.
  • Wear a lab coat at all times to avoid contact with clothes etc.
  • To reduce the risk of burns, always hold the Bunsen burner at the bottom, and leave all apparatus to cool before touching it.
  • Take care when handling glassware. When sliding delivery tubes or test tubes into rubber ...

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