balance this stoichiometric equation:
SO2 + CaCO3 + O2 ------> CaSO4 + CO2
2SO2 + 2CaCO3 + O2 ------> 2CaSO4 + 2CO2
To balance the stoichiometric equation, we need to make sure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Here's how you can balance the given equation:
SO2 + CaCO3 + O2 → CaSO4 + CO2
First, let's start by balancing the calcium (Ca). There is one calcium atom on the right side and none on the left side, so we need to put a coefficient of 1 in front of CaCO3.
SO2 + 1 CaCO3 + O2 → CaSO4 + CO2
Next, let's balance the sulfur (S). There is one sulfur atom on the left side, so we need to put a coefficient of 1 in front of CaSO4.
SO2 + 1 CaCO3 + O2 → 1 CaSO4 + CO2
Now, let's balance the oxygen (O). There are two oxygen atoms in CaSO4, one in CO2, and three in SO2 and O2 on the left side. To balance the oxygen, we need to add a coefficient of 5/2 (or 2.5) in front of O2.
SO2 + 1 CaCO3 + 2.5 O2 → 1 CaSO4 + CO2
Lastly, let's balance the carbon (C). There is only one carbon atom on the right side, so we need to put a coefficient of 1 in front of CO2.
SO2 + 1 CaCO3 + 2.5 O2 → 1 CaSO4 + 1 CO2
Now, the stoichiometric equation is balanced:
2 SO2 + 2 CaCO3 + 5 O2 → 2 CaSO4 + 2 CO2