How much phosphorus will react with 0.5 mol of oxygen if phosphorus (V) oxide is formed?

The synthesis reaction of phosphorus oxide is described by the following chemical reaction equation:

4P + 5O2 = 2P2O5;

4 moles of phosphorus react with 5 moles of oxygen. In this reaction, 2 moles of phosphorus oxide are synthesized.

We have 0.5 mol of oxygen.

With this amount of oxygen, 0.5 / 5 x 4 = 0.4 mol of phosphorus will react.

Let’s find its mass.

M P = 31 grams / mol;

m P = 0.4 x 31 = 12.4 grams;