Multiple Choice
Why is it important to balance a chemical equation by including the correct coefficients?
82
views
3. Chemical Reactions
Balancing Chemical Equations
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correctly balanced chemical equation for the reaction of S_8 with O_2 to form SO_2?
A
S_8 + 8 O_2 → 8 SO_2
B
8 S + 8 O_2 → 8 SO_2
C
S_8 + O_2 → SO_2
D
S_8 + 4 O_2 → 4 SO_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the reactants and products in the chemical reaction: sulfur in the form of \(S_8\) reacts with oxygen gas \(O_2\) to form sulfur dioxide \(SO_2\).
Write the unbalanced chemical equation: \(S_8 + O_2 \rightarrow SO_2\).
Balance the sulfur atoms first. Since there are 8 sulfur atoms in \(S_8\), place a coefficient of 8 in front of \(SO_2\) to have 8 sulfur atoms on the product side: \(S_8 + O_2 \rightarrow 8 SO_2\).
Balance the oxygen atoms next. On the product side, there are \(8 \times 2 = 16\) oxygen atoms. Since each \(O_2\) molecule has 2 oxygen atoms, place a coefficient of 8 in front of \(O_2\) to have 16 oxygen atoms on the reactant side: \(S_8 + 8 O_2 \rightarrow 8 SO_2\).
Verify that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation, confirming the equation is balanced.
Related Videos
Related Practice
