What is the first step in performing mass calculations for chemical reactions?

• A. Write and balance the chemical equation for the reaction.
• B. Determine the limiting reactant by comparing mole ratios.
• C. Calculate the percent yield of the reaction.
• D. Convert the mass of reactants to volume.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical reaction involved and write its unbalanced chemical equation.
2. Balance the chemical equation to ensure the law of conservation of mass is satisfied, meaning the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
3. Once the equation is balanced, use the mole ratios from the coefficients in the balanced equation to relate amounts of reactants and products.
4. Convert the given masses of reactants to moles using their molar masses, which allows you to use the mole ratios effectively.
5. After converting to moles, you can proceed to determine the limiting reactant or calculate the theoretical yield as needed.