Question

Write a balanced equation for the reaction that occurs in each of the following cases: (a) Ozone decomposes to dioxygen. (b) Xenon reacts with fluorine. (Write three different equations.) (c) Sulfur reacts with hydrogen gas. (d) Fluorine reacts with water.

Short answer

(a) \(2 O_3 \rightarrow 3 O_2\) (b) \(Xe + 3 F_2 \rightarrow XeF_6\); \(Xe + 2 F_2 \rightarrow XeF_4\); \(Xe + F_2 \rightarrow XeF_2\) (c) \(S + H_2 \rightarrow H_2S\) (d) \(2 F_2 + 2 H_2O \rightarrow 4 HF + O_2\)

Step-by-step solution

(a) Ozone decomposes to dioxygen

In this reaction, ozone (O3) decomposes to dioxygen (O2). To balance the equation, we need to make sure that the number of oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation is equal. The balanced equation for this reaction is: \[2 O_3 \rightarrow 3 O_2\]

(b) Xenon reacts with fluorine (first equation)

In this case, xenon (Xe) reacts with fluorine (F2) to form xenon hexafluoride (XeF6). To balance the equation, we need to make sure that the number of xenon and fluorine atoms on both sides of the equation is equal. The balanced equation for this reaction is: \[Xe + 3 F_2 \rightarrow XeF_6\]

(b) Xenon reacts with fluorine (second equation)

Another possible reaction between xenon and fluorine involves the formation of xenon tetrafluoride (XeF4). The balanced equation for this reaction is: \[Xe + 2 F_2 \rightarrow XeF_4\]

(b) Xenon reacts with fluorine (third equation)

Lastly, xenon can also react with fluorine to form xenon difluoride (XeF2). The balanced equation for this reaction is: \[Xe + F_2 \rightarrow XeF_2\]

(c) Sulfur reacts with hydrogen gas

In this case, sulfur (S) reacts with hydrogen gas (H2) to form hydrogen sulfide (H2S). To balance the equation, we need to make sure that the number of sulfur and hydrogen atoms on both sides of the equation is equal. The balanced equation for this reaction is: \[S + H_2 \rightarrow H_2S\]

(d) Fluorine reacts with water

When fluorine (F2) reacts with water (H2O), it forms hydrogen fluoride (HF) and oxygen (O2). To balance the equation, we need to make sure that the number of fluorine, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation is equal. The balanced equation for this reaction is: \[2 F_2 + 2 H_2O \rightarrow 4 HF + O_2\]