Asample of carbon dioxide contains 3.8 moles of oxygen atoms, how many moles of carbon dioxide are in the sample?

1.9 moles

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a compound that is made up of carbon and oxygen elements.

It contains 2 moles of oxygen atoms and 1 mole of carbon atoms

Therefore;

We would say, 1 mole of CO₂ → 2 moles of Oxygen atoms + 1 mole of carbon atoms

Thus;

If a sample of CO₂ contains 3.8 moles of oxygen atoms we could use mole ratio to determine the moles of CO₂

Mole ratio of CO₂ to Oxygen is 1 : 2

Therefore;

Moles of CO₂ = 3.8 moles ÷ 2

                      = 1.9 moles

Hence, the moles of CO₂ present in a sample that would produce 3.8 moles of Oxygen atoms is 1.9 moles