Problem 53 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Write a balanced equation for each of the following reactions: (a) Sulfur dioxide reacts with water. (b) Solid zinc sulfide reacts with hydrochloric acid. (c) Elemental sulfur reacts with sulfite ion to form thiosulfate. (d) Sulfur trioxide is dissolved in sulfuric acid.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Based on the given solutions, the balanced equations for the reactions are: (a) \( SO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2SO_3 \) (b) \( ZnS + 2HCl \rightarrow ZnCl_2 + H_2S \) (c) \( S_8 + 8SO_3^{2-} \rightarrow 8S_2O_3^{2-} \) (d) \( SO_3 + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow H_2S_2O_7 \)

Step 1: (a) Identify reactants and products for the sulfur dioxide and water reaction

The reactants are sulfur dioxide (SO2) and water (H2O). When sulfur dioxide reacts with water, it forms sulfurous acid (H2SO3). So the products are H2SO3.

Step 2: (a) Balance the equation for the sulfur dioxide and water reaction

The balanced equation for the reaction is: \[ SO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2SO_3 \] Every element has the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation: 1 sulfur, 2 oxygen, and 2 hydrogens.

Step 3: (b) Identify reactants and products for the zinc sulfide and hydrochloric acid reaction

The reactants are solid zinc sulfide (ZnS) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). When solid zinc sulfide reacts with hydrochloric acid, it forms zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). So the products are ZnCl2 and H2S.

Step 4: (b) Balance the equation for the zinc sulfide and hydrochloric acid reaction

The balanced equation for the reaction is: \[ ZnS + 2HCl \rightarrow ZnCl_2 + H_2S \] Every element has the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation: 1 zinc, 1 sulfur, 2 hydrogens, and 2 chlorides.

Step 5: (c) Identify reactants and products for the elemental sulfur and sulfite ion reaction

The reactants are elemental sulfur (S8) and sulfite ion (SO3^2-). When elemental sulfur reacts with the sulfite ion, it forms thiosulfate ion (S2O3^2-). So the product is S2O3^2-.

Step 6: (c) Balance the equation for the elemental sulfur and sulfite ion reaction

The balanced equation for the reaction is: \[ S_8 + 8SO_3^{2-} \rightarrow 8S_2O_3^{2-} \] Every element has the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation: 16 sulfur and 24 oxygen atoms.

Step 7: (d) Identify reactants and products for the sulfur trioxide and sulfuric acid reaction

The reactants are sulfur trioxide (SO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). When sulfur trioxide is dissolved in sulfuric acid, it forms oleum (H2S2O7). So the product is H2S2O7.

Step 8: (d) Balance the equation for the sulfur trioxide and sulfuric acid reaction

The balanced equation for the reaction is: \[ SO_3 + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow H_2S_2O_7 \] Every element has the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation: 2 sulfur, 4 oxygen, and 2 hydrogen atoms.