Question

Formation of polyethylene from calcium carbide takes place as follows:

\[\ce{CaC2 + 2H2O -> Ca(OH)2 + C2H2}\]

\[\ce{C2H2 + H2 -> C2H4}\]

The amount of polyethylene obtained from 64.1 kg of CaC₂ is:

Options

• 7 kg

• 14 kg

• 21 kg

• 28 kg

Answer 1

28 kg

Explanation:

From the reactions:

\[\ce{CaC2 -> C2H2 -> C2H4 -> Polyethylene}\]

1 mole of CaC₂ gives 1 mole of C₂H₄.

Molar mass of CaC₂:

40 + (12 × 2) = 64 g

Molar mass of C₂H₄:

(12 × 2) + (1 × 4) = 28 g

Thus, 64 g CaC₂ gives 28 g polyethylene

64.1 kg CaC₂ ≈ 28 kg polyethylene