In the reaction

2 CO + O2 → 2 CO2,

what is the minimum number of moles of O2 required to produce 1.0 mole of CO2?

A

0.25

B

0.50

C

1.0

D

2.0

The minimum number of moles O2 needed is 0.50 moles (option B)

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Number of moles CO2 produced = 1.0 moles

Step 2: The balanced equation

2 CO + O2 → 2CO2

Step 3: Calculate moles of O2

For 2 moles CO we need 1 mol O2 to produce 2 moles CO2

For 1.0 mol CO2 produced, we need 1.0 / 2 = 0.50 moles O2

The minimum number of moles O2 needed is 0.50 moles (option B)