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Ch.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical Equations
Chapter 3, Problem 125

A Freon leak in the air-conditioning system of an old car releases 25 g of CF2Cl2 per month. What mass of chlorine does this car emit into the atmosphere each year?

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Key Concepts

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

Molar Mass Calculation

To determine the mass of chlorine emitted, one must first calculate the molar mass of CF2Cl2 (dichlorodifluoromethane). The molar mass is the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in the molecule: carbon (C), fluorine (F), and chlorine (Cl). This calculation is essential for converting grams of CF2Cl2 to moles, which will then allow for the determination of the mass of chlorine released.
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Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the relationships between the quantities of reactants and products in a chemical reaction. In this case, understanding the stoichiometric ratios of CF2Cl2 and chlorine (Cl) is crucial to calculate how much chlorine is released from the given mass of CF2Cl2. This involves using the mole ratio derived from the chemical formula to find the corresponding mass of chlorine.
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Mass to Moles Conversion

Converting mass to moles is a fundamental concept in chemistry that allows for the quantification of substances in reactions. This conversion uses the formula: moles = mass (g) / molar mass (g/mol). In this scenario, it is necessary to convert the mass of CF2Cl2 released monthly into moles to subsequently find the mass of chlorine emitted over a year, thereby linking the mass of the compound to the amount of chlorine produced.
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