Final answer:
In chemistry, balancing chemical equations involves ensuring an equal number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. A balanced chemical equation for the formation of sulfur dioxide from sulfur and oxygen is S(s) + O₂(g) → SO₂(g). The related equation for the formation of sulfur trioxide from sulfur dioxide requires adjusting coefficients for balance: 2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) → 2SO₃(g).
Step-by-step explanation:
When balancing the chemical equation for the reaction of sulfur (S) with oxygen (O2) to form sulfur dioxide (SO2), it is important to ensure that there is an equal number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. In this equation, S(s) + O2(g) → SO2(g), sulfur and oxygen are reactants and sulfur dioxide is the product. To balance other related equations, such as the reaction of sulfur dioxide with oxygen to form sulfur trioxide, we start with 2SO2(g) + O2(g) → 2SO3(g), ensuring there are equal numbers of sulfur and oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation. This step is crucial because it represents a balanced chemical equation, which follows the law of conservation of mass.
Writing chemical equations is done by balancing each element on both sides, and when we see a need for more oxygen atoms, we adjust coefficients accordingly. For example, if there is one S atom on both sides but an unequal number of O atoms, we can balance it by adjusting the coefficients of the reactants or products. For instance, introducing the coefficient 2 in front of SO3 when balancing the chemical equation for the production of sulfur trioxide from sulfur dioxide.
Once we have a balanced equation, it can be used to convert moles of one substance to moles of another using stoichiometry. This conversion uses the mole ratio derived from the balanced equation to construct conversion factors between different substances, such as converting from moles of SO2 to moles of SO3.