Final answer:
The primary product of the combustion of sulfur is sulfur dioxide (SO2), and it is also an intermediate step in the production of sulfuric acid. SO2 is formed when sulfur burns in the presence of excess oxygen, and this process is described by the chemical equation S(s) + O2(g) → SO2(g).
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary product of the combustion of sulfur in an oxygen-rich environment is sulfur dioxide (SO2). During this combustion process, sulfur reacts with oxygen to form SO2, which is a significant intermediate step in the industrial production of sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Additionally, when SO2 reacts with oxygen, it creates sulfur trioxide (SO3), which can then react with water to produce sulfuric acid.
The equation for the combustion of sulfur is:
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is D: SO2.
When considering the volume of SO2 produced by burning 1.00 kg of sulfur, this can be calculated using the ideal gas law and molar mass of sulfur. The details required for this calculation include the temperature and pressure of the gas (343 °C and 1.21 atm), as well as the fact that sulfur dioxide forms the odor of burning sulfur and is present in volcanic gases and the atmosphere near industrial plants that burn fuels containing sulfur compounds.