Which of the following equations is correctly balanced for the reaction between solid zinc sulfide and oxygen gas to produce solid zinc oxide and sulfur dioxide gas?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer
B. 2ZnS + 3O2 -> 2ZnO + 2SO2
Principle or equation
Balancing chemical equations requires equal numbers of each atom on both sides.
Why this answer is correct
Start with ZnS + O2 -> ZnO + SO2. Balance Zn: already 1 each. Balance S: 1 each. Balance O: left has 2, right has 3 (1 in ZnO + 2 in SO2). Multiply O2 by 3/2 to get 3 O on left, then multiply all coefficients by 2 to get whole numbers: 2ZnS + 3O2 -> 2ZnO + 2SO2. Check: Zn 2=2, S 2=2, O 6=6.
Example
For combustion of methane: CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O.
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