Question

Carbon forms two oxides, namely carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The equivalent mass of which element remains constant?

Options

• Carbon

• oxygen

• both carbon and oxygen

• neither carbon nor oxygen

Answer 1

oxygen

Explanation:

Reaction 1:

\[\ce{2C + O2 -> 2CO}\]

2 × 12 g carbon combines with 32 g of oxygen.

Hence, Equivalent mass of carbon = `(2 xx 12)/32 xx 8` = 6

Reaction 2:

\[\ce{C + O2 -> CO2}\]

12 g carbon combines with 32 g of oxygen.

Hence, Equivalent mass of carbon = `12/32 xx 8` = 3