SOLUTION: The ratio of the carbon atoms to oxygen atoms in a carbon dioxide molecule is 1:2.How many carbon atoms and oxygen atoms are their in 36 molecules of carbon dioxide?

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Question 365451: The ratio of the carbon atoms to oxygen atoms in a carbon dioxide molecule is 1:2.How many carbon atoms and oxygen atoms are their in 36 molecules of carbon dioxide?
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi, 

Let x represent the # of carbon atoms.  then (36-x) would represent the # of oxygen atoms

Question states

%28x%2F%2836-x%29%29+=+%281%2F2%29

cross multiply to solve

2x = 36-x

3x = 36

x = 12, the # of carbon atoms, therefore, 24 (36-12) would be the number of oxygen atoms

checking our answer

12/24 = 1/2