In the following decomposition reaction, identify the p, q, and r values: p FeSO4 (s) → q Fe2O3 (s) + r SO2 (g) + s SO3 (g)

Explanation

Question: In the following decomposition reaction, identify the values of p, q, r, and s: p FeSO4 (s) → q Fe2O3 (s) + r SO2 (g) + s SO3 (g) Solution: To determine the values of p, q, r, and s, let’s balance the decomposition reaction step-by-step. Step 1: Write the decomposition products of FeSO4 When iron(II) sulfate (FeSO4) decomposes upon heating, it typically breaks down into iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and sulfur trioxide (SO3). Step 2: Balance the equation 1. Balance the iron (Fe) atoms: To form Fe2O3, we need 2 iron (Fe) atoms on the left side. This requires 2 molecules of FeSO4. Thus, the equation becomes: 2 FeSO4 → Fe2O3 + r SO2 + s SO3 2. Balance the sulfur (S) atoms: We have 2 molecules of FeSO4, each containing 1 sulfur atom, giving us a total of 2 sulfur atoms on the left. This means we need 2 sulfur atoms on the right side, which must match the total sulfur atoms in SO2 and SO3. Let’s assume r = 1 for SO2 and s = 1 for SO3 to match the two sulfur atoms: 2 FeSO4 → Fe2O3 + SO2 + SO3 3. Balance the oxygen (O) atoms: On the left side, we have 2 × 4 = 8 oxygen atoms from FeSO4. On the right side, Fe2O3 contains 3 oxygen atoms, SO2 has 2 oxygen atoms, and SO3 has 3 oxygen atoms. Calculating the total oxygen atoms on the right side: 3 + 2 + 3 = 8 oxygen atoms The oxygen atoms are balanced on both sides. Conclusion: The balanced reaction is: 2 FeSO4 (s) → Fe2O3 (s) + SO2 (g) + SO3 (g) Values of p, q, r, and s: p=2 q=1 r=1 s=1