Question

Elemental S reacts with O2 gas to form SO3 gas according to the reaction depicted here.

Before a chemical equation can be used to conduct stoichiometric analysis, it must balanced. Type the balanced chemical equation for this reaction between solid sulfur and oxygen gas.

Express your answer as a chemical equation including phases.

Answer 1

Elemental S reacts with \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) to form \(\mathrm{SO}_{3}\) gas. Elemental sulfur reacts with oxygen

to first form \(\mathrm{SO}_{2} \cdot \mathrm{SO}_{2}\) then reacts with oxygen to form \(\mathrm{SO}_{3}\).

The two equations are:

\(\mathrm{S}(\mathrm{s})+\mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}) \rightarrow \mathrm{SO}_{2}(\mathrm{~g})\)

\(2 \mathrm{SO}_{2}(\mathrm{~g})+\mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}) \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{SO}_{3}(\mathrm{~g})\)

Add both equations to obtain the resultant equation of production of \(\mathrm{SO}_{3}\) from elemental S:

Multiply the first equation by 2 to cancel \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\). \(2 \mathrm{~S}(\mathrm{~s})+2 \mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}) \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{~SO}_{2}(\mathrm{~g})\)

\(2 \mathrm{SO}_{2}(\mathrm{~g})+\mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}) \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{SO}_{3}(\mathrm{~g})\)

\(2 \mathrm{~S}(\mathrm{~s})+3 \mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}) \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{SO}_{3}(\mathrm{~g})\)