Write a complete balanced equation when solid sulphur is
(a) burnt in oxygen.
(b) heated with iron.
Answer (2)
Burning sulfur in oxygen produces sulfur dioxide: S ( s ) + O 2 ( g ) → S O 2 ( g ) .
Heating sulfur with iron produces iron(II) sulfide: F e ( s ) + S ( s ) → F e S ( s ) .
Both equations are already balanced.
The balanced chemical equations are: (a) S ( s ) + O 2 ( g ) → S O 2 ( g ) and (b) F e ( s ) + S ( s ) → F e S ( s ) . S ( s ) + O 2 ( g ) → S O 2 ( g ) ; F e ( s ) + S ( s ) → F e S ( s )
Explanation
Understanding the Problem The problem asks us to write balanced chemical equations for two reactions involving sulfur. In the first reaction, sulfur is burnt in oxygen, and in the second, it is heated with iron.
Reaction of Sulfur and Oxygen (a) When solid sulfur is burnt in oxygen, it forms sulfur dioxide gas. The unbalanced equation is: S ( s ) + O 2 ( g ) → S O 2 ( g ) This equation is already balanced, as there is one sulfur atom and two oxygen atoms on both sides.
Reaction of Sulfur and Iron (b) When solid sulfur is heated with iron, it forms iron(II) sulfide. The unbalanced equation is: F e ( s ) + S ( s ) → F e S ( s ) This equation is also already balanced, as there is one iron atom and one sulfur atom on both sides.
Final Answer Therefore, the balanced chemical equations are: (a) S ( s ) + O 2 ( g ) → S O 2 ( g ) (b) F e ( s ) + S ( s ) → F e S ( s )
Examples
Understanding chemical reactions and writing balanced equations is crucial in various fields. For instance, in environmental science, it helps in understanding the formation of acid rain ( S O 2 reacting with water) and its impact. In material science, the reaction between iron and sulfur is important in understanding the properties of iron sulfide compounds, which can be found in various minerals and have applications in catalysis and energy storage. Balancing chemical equations ensures that the number of atoms of each element is conserved, reflecting the fundamental principle of conservation of mass in chemical reactions.
The balanced chemical equations for the reactions involving sulfur are: (a) S ( s ) + O 2 ( g ) → S O 2 ( g ) for burning sulfur in oxygen and (b) F e ( s ) + S ( s ) → F e S ( s ) for heating sulfur with iron. Both equations are already balanced as they satisfy the conservation of mass principle.
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