Question

A reactor is supplied with 6 moles of CO and 3 moles of O2 and produced 4 moles of CO2, what is the extent of reaction?

(a) 1

(b) 2

(c) 3

(d) 4

This question was posed to me during a job interview.

My doubt stems from Species Material Balances topic in chapter The Chemical Reaction Equation & Stoichometry, Material Balances for Processes Involving Reaction and Multiple Units of Basic Chemical Engineering

Answer 1

Right choice is (b) 2

To elaborate: The reaction is 2CO + O2 -> 2CO2, => Extent of reaction = (4 – 0)/2 = 2.