Which of the following equations is correctly balanced for the reaction between zinc sulfide and oxygen gas to produce zinc oxide and sulfur dioxide?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer
B. 2ZnS + 3O2 → 2ZnO + 2SO2
Principle or equation
A balanced chemical equation has equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides.
Why this answer is correct
For ZnS + O2 → ZnO + SO2, balancing Zn gives 1 on both sides. For S, 1 on both sides. For O, left has 2, right has 3 (1 in ZnO + 2 in SO2). Multiply all by 2: 2ZnS + 3O2 → 2ZnO + 2SO2. Now O: left 6, right 2+4=6. Balanced.
Example
Balancing CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O gives CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O.
This published item includes a stored explanation and passed the platform’s publication workflow. It is independent preparation material, not a claim of an official or recalled examination question.