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Ch.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical Equations
Chapter 3, Problem 126

A Freon leak in the air-conditioning system of a large building releases 12 kg of CHF2Cl per month. If the leak is allowed to continue, how many kilograms of Cl will be emitted into the atmosphere each year?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the chemical formula of the compound: CHF2Cl.
Determine the molar mass of CHF2Cl by adding the atomic masses of each element: C, H, F, and Cl.
Calculate the mass percentage of Cl in CHF2Cl by dividing the atomic mass of Cl by the molar mass of CHF2Cl and multiplying by 100%.
Calculate the total mass of CHF2Cl released in a year by multiplying the monthly release (12 kg) by 12 months.
Determine the mass of Cl emitted by multiplying the total mass of CHF2Cl released in a year by the mass percentage of Cl.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Molar Mass and Stoichiometry

To determine the amount of chlorine (Cl) emitted from the Freon leak, one must first understand the molar mass of CHF2Cl. The molar mass allows us to convert the mass of the compound into moles, which can then be used to find the number of moles of chlorine present in the compound, facilitating the calculation of the total chlorine emitted.
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Molar Mass Concept

Chemical Composition

CHF2Cl is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) that contains one chlorine atom in its molecular structure. Understanding the chemical composition is essential for calculating how much chlorine is released when a specific mass of the compound is leaked, as it directly relates to the stoichiometric ratios in the compound.
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Matter Composition

Annual Emission Calculation

To find the annual emission of chlorine, one must multiply the monthly leak rate by 12 months. This straightforward calculation provides the total mass of CHF2Cl released in a year, which can then be used, along with the molar mass and composition, to determine the total mass of chlorine emitted into the atmosphere.
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