Problem 14 - Chemistry Matter and Change

Question

The solids aluminum and sulfur react to produce aluminum sulfide.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of solid aluminum (Al) and solid sulfur (S) to form solid aluminum sulfide (Al2S3) is \(2 Al (s) + 3 S (s) \rightarrow Al_2S_3 (s)\). This equation represents that 2 moles of solid aluminum react with 3 moles of solid sulfur to produce 1 mole of solid aluminum sulfide.

Step 1: Write the unbalanced chemical equation

First, write down the unbalanced chemical equation representing the reaction between aluminum and sulfur to form aluminum sulfide: Al (s) + S (s) → Al2S3 (s)

Step 2: Balance the chemical equation

Now we need to balance the chemical equation to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. To balance the equation, set: 2 Al (s) + 3 S (s) -> Al2S3 (s)

Step 3: Verify the balanced equation

Double-check the balanced equation to make sure the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation: - On the left side, there are 2 Al atoms and 3 S atoms. - On the right side, Al2S3 consists of 2 Al atoms and 3 S atoms. Since the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides, we can confirm that the equation is balanced: 2 Al (s) + 3 S (s) → Al2S3 (s)

Step 4: Interpret the balanced equation

The balanced chemical equation 2 Al (s) + 3 S (s) → Al2S3 (s) represents the reaction of aluminum with sulfur to form aluminum sulfide. It states that two moles of solid aluminum (Al) react with three moles of solid sulfur (S) to produce one mole of solid aluminum sulfide (Al2S3).

Key Concepts

Aluminum

Aluminum is a chemical element with the symbol \( \text{Al} \) and atomic number 13. It is a silvery-white metal, renowned for its low density and ability to resist corrosion. These features make aluminum a popular choice in a multitude of applications, from household foil to aircraft components.
Aluminum is very reactive chemically and hence is not found naturally in its pure state. Instead, it is usually found combined with other elements in minerals like bauxite, from which it is extracted through an electrochemical process. In its pure form, aluminum can be alloyed with other metals like copper or magnesium to enhance its mechanical properties.
In the context of chemical reactions, aluminum often acts as a reducing agent. When it reacts with nonmetals such as sulfur, it donates electrons to the nonmetal, thereby forming compounds like aluminum sulfide.

Sulfur

Sulfur, represented by the symbol \( \text{S} \), is a nonmetal with an atomic number of 16. It is a bright yellow solid at room temperature, best known for its distinctive smell often associated with rotten eggs. Sulfur is essential for life and is found in amino acids and proteins of all living organisms.
Apart from its biological role, sulfur is often used in industrial processes, particularly in the manufacture of sulfuric acid, an important industrial chemical. Elemental sulfur is used in the vulcanization of rubber, as a fungicide in agriculture, and in black gunpowder.
In chemical equations, sulfur frequently participates as a reactant that forms compounds by gaining electrons. When sulfur reacts with aluminum, it accepts electrons from aluminum atoms, leading to the formation of aluminum sulfide.

Aluminum Sulfide

Aluminum sulfide \( \text{Al}_2\text{S}_3 \) is a compound formed from the reaction between aluminum and sulfur. It is a gray, solid material that has necessity in both research and industrial processes. Aluminum sulfide is primarily used in the production of hydrogen sulfide gas when it reacts with water. This quality can be utilized in various chemical syntheses.
In the balanced equation \( 2 \text{Al} (s) + 3 \text{S} (s) \rightarrow \text{Al}_2\text{S}_3 (s) \), each atom contributes precisely to form the compound, making this equation a fine example of a synthesis reaction. This reaction indicates using the fundamental principle of conservation of mass, where the mass of the reactants equals the mass of the products.
Understanding how aluminum and sulfur combine offers insight into predictive formula writing, showcasing the need to balance chemical reactions accurately. This ensures that every atom is accounted for, reflecting the reality of chemical transformations.