Final answer:
The balanced equation for the reaction between sulfur and oxygen to form sulfur dioxide is S⁸+ 8O₂ → 8SO₂. This ensures that both sulfur and oxygen atoms are balanced in the redox reaction. Five molecules of O2 are needed when 38 atoms of S react.
Step-by-step explanation:
The balanced equation for the reaction of sulfur (S⁸) with oxygen SO₂ to form sulfur dioxide SO₂ is S8 + 8O₂ →8 SO₂. In this balanced chemical equation, both sulfur and oxygen atoms are balanced, with 8 sulfur atoms on each side and 16 oxygen atoms on each side. When we balance a redox reaction, such as the combustion of sulfur, we ensure that the number of atoms and charge are the same on both the reactants and products sides of the equation.
To answer the question, 38 atoms of S would require 38/8 = 4.75, which rounds up to 5 molecules of O₂ to completely react, since O₂ is diatomic and the ratio is 8:8.