Question

Metals react with oxygen gas to produce oxides with the general formula MxOy. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of titanium with oxygen to yield titanium(IV) oxide.

a) Ti(s) + O₂(g) => TiO₂(s)
b) TiO(s) + O₂(g) => Ti₂O₃(s)
c) Ti(s) + 2O₂(g) => Ti₂O₄(s)
d) TiO₂(s) + O-2(g) => TiO₃(s)

Answer 1

The correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction of titanium with oxygen to form titanium(IV) oxide is Ti(s) + O₂(g) ⇒ TiO₂(s).

Step-by-step explanation:

When titanium reacts with oxygen, it forms titanium(IV) oxide, also known as titanium dioxide (TiO₂). The correct balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:

a) Ti(s) + O₂(g) ⇒ TiO₂(s)

Titanium, which is a transition metal, tends to form oxides where it exhibits its most stable oxidation state. In the case of titanium, this is the +4 oxidation state, as seen in titanium(IV) oxide. The stoichiometry of the reaction is straightforward, with one titanium atom reacting with one molecule of diatomic oxygen (O₂) to yield one formula unit of titanium(IV) oxide.