Molar ratios are fractions derived from the coefficients of a balanced chemical equation. They indicate the proportions of reactants and products involved in the reaction.
For instance, in the equation \(4 \text{P}(s) + 5 \text{O}_{2}(g) \rightarrow 2 \text{P}_{2} \text{O}_{5}(s)\), the molar ratios are:
- 4 moles of \(\text{P}\) to 5 moles of \(\text{O}_{2}\)
- 4 moles of \(\text{P}\) to 2 moles of \(\text{P}_{2} \text{O}_{5}\)
- 5 moles of \(\text{O}_{2}\) to 2 moles of \(\text{P}_{2} \text{O}_{5}\)
Molar ratios are essential for converting between moles of different substances in a reaction.
For example, if you know you have 8 moles of \(\text{P}\), you can use the molar ratio (4 moles of \(\text{P}\) : 5 moles of \(\text{O}_{2}\)) to find that you need 10 moles of \(\text{O}_{2}\). Molar ratios can also help determine the limiting reactant and calculate theoretical yields.