Introduction

In order to determine the equivalent weight of V2O5 in the given reaction VO + Fe2O3 → FeO + V2O5, we need to understand the concept of equivalent weight and how it relates to the reaction equation.

Understanding Equivalent Weight

Equivalent weight is the weight of a substance that combines or reacts with or supplies one equivalent of a given species or ion. It is a measure of the reactive capacity of a substance and is expressed in grams per equivalent (g/eq).

Stoichiometry of the Reaction

In the given reaction, the stoichiometric coefficients indicate the ratio in which the reactants combine and form the products. From the balanced equation, we can see that 1 mole of VO reacts with 1 mole of Fe2O3 to produce 1 mole of FeO and 1 mole of V2O5.

Determining the Equivalent Weight of V2O5

To determine the equivalent weight of V2O5, we need to consider the change in the number of equivalents of V2O5 in the reaction.

Since 1 mole of V2O5 is formed from the reaction, we can say that 1 mole of V2O5 contains 1 equivalent of V2O5.

Now, we need to find the molar mass of V2O5. V2O5 consists of two vanadium atoms (V) and five oxygen atoms (O). The atomic masses of V and O are approximately 50.94 g/mol and 16.00 g/mol, respectively.

Molar mass of V2O5 = (2 * atomic mass of V) + (5 * atomic mass of O)
= (2 * 50.94 g/mol) + (5 * 16.00 g/mol)
= 101.88 g/mol + 80.00 g/mol
= 181.88 g/mol

Therefore, the molar mass of V2O5 is approximately 181.88 g/mol.

Calculating the Equivalent Weight of V2O5

Now, we can calculate the equivalent weight of V2O5 by dividing the molar mass by the number of equivalents:

Equivalent weight of V2O5 = Molar mass of V2O5 / Number of equivalents of V2O5
= 181.88 g/mol / 1 eq
= 181.88 g/eq

Conclusion

The equivalent weight of V2O5 in the given reaction VO + Fe2O3 → FeO + V2O5 is equal to 181.88 g/eq. This means that 181.88 grams of V2O5 reacts with one equivalent of the other species involved in the reaction.