Final answer:
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of sulfur trioxide (SO3) with water (H2O) to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is SO3(g) + H2O(l) → H2SO4(aq). This reaction is environmentally relevant as it leads to the formation of acid rain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction between sulfur trioxide (SO3) and water (H2O) to produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4) can be represented by the following balanced chemical equation:
SO3(g) + H2O(l) → H2SO4(aq)
This reaction is significant as it relates to environmental concerns such as acid rain. When sulfur trioxide, which is a byproduct of coal-burning power plants and other industrial processes, mixes with water in the atmosphere, sulfuric acid is formed and can precipitate as acid rain, adversely affecting ecosystems and human-made structures.