QuestionJanuary 9, 2026

24. Write a chemical equation that accurately represents what happens when sulfur(S) and oxygen (O_(2)) react to form sulfur trioxide (SO_(3)) Make sure you balance the equation.

24. Write a chemical equation that accurately represents what happens when sulfur(S) and oxygen (O_(2)) react to form sulfur trioxide (SO_(3)) Make sure you balance the equation.
24. Write a chemical equation that accurately represents what happens when sulfur(S) and
oxygen (O_(2)) react to form sulfur trioxide (SO_(3)) Make sure you balance the equation.

Solution
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Answer

2S + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2SO_3 Explanation 1. Write the unbalanced equation S + O_2 \rightarrow SO_3 2. Balance sulfur atoms 1 S atom on both sides; already balanced. 3. Balance oxygen atoms Left: 2 (from O_2); Right: 3 (in SO_3). Multiply SO_3 by 2 and S by 2: 2S + O_2 \rightarrow 2SO_3. 4. Recount oxygen atoms Left: 2 (from O_2); Right: 6 (from 2SO_3). Adjust O_2 to 3: 2S + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2SO_3.

Explanation

1. Write the unbalanced equation<br /> $S + O_2 \rightarrow SO_3$<br />2. Balance sulfur atoms<br /> 1 S atom on both sides; already balanced.<br />3. Balance oxygen atoms<br /> Left: 2 (from $O_2$); Right: 3 (in $SO_3$). Multiply $SO_3$ by 2 and $S$ by 2: $2S + O_2 \rightarrow 2SO_3$.<br />4. Recount oxygen atoms<br /> Left: 2 (from $O_2$); Right: 6 (from $2SO_3$). Adjust $O_2$ to 3: $2S + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2SO_3$.
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