Write a balanced equation depicting the formation of one mole of so3(g) from its elements in their standard states.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The balanced chemical equation for the formation of one mole of sulfur trioxide (SO₃) from its elements in their standard states is:
[
S(s) + \frac{3}{2}O_2(g) \rightarrow SO_3(g)
]
Explanation:
To understand this reaction, let’s break it down step by step:
- Sulfur in its standard state:
Sulfur, as an element, exists as a solid (S) in its standard state at room temperature and pressure. So, sulfur is represented as (S(s)) in the equation. - Oxygen in its standard state:
Oxygen exists as a diatomic molecule (O₂) in its standard state under normal conditions. Therefore, we use (O_2(g)) to represent oxygen in the equation. - Formation of sulfur trioxide:
Sulfur trioxide (SO₃) is a chemical compound made up of one sulfur atom and three oxygen atoms. In this reaction, sulfur reacts with oxygen to form sulfur trioxide. The product is in the gaseous state ((SO_3(g))) at standard temperature and pressure. - Stoichiometry:
The reaction needs to be balanced in terms of both mass and charge. On the left side of the equation, there is one sulfur atom (from (S(s))) and two oxygen atoms (from (\frac{3}{2} O_2(g)), because each (O_2) molecule contains two oxygen atoms). On the right side of the equation, sulfur trioxide (SO₃) contains one sulfur atom and three oxygen atoms. - Balancing the oxygen atoms:
Since sulfur trioxide contains three oxygen atoms, we need three oxygen atoms on the left side. However, each molecule of O₂ contains two oxygen atoms. Therefore, we need (\frac{3}{2}) moles of (O_2) to provide the required three oxygen atoms.
Thus, the final balanced equation shows that one mole of sulfur (S) reacts with (\frac{3}{2}) moles of oxygen (O₂) to form one mole of sulfur trioxide (SO₃).
This equation is balanced in terms of both mass and charge, as it follows the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.