Sulfur and oxygen react in a combination reaction to produce sulfur trioxide, an environmental pollutant: 2S (s) + 3O₂ (g) → 2SO₃ (g)
In a particular experiment, the reaction of 1.0 g S with 1.0 g O₂ produced 0.80 g of SO₃. The % yield in this experiment is ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Theoretical yield of SO₃ is calculated using stoichiometry: 1.0 g S (molar mass = 32.07 g/mol) gives 1.0 g / 32.07 g/mol = 0.0312 mol S. From the balanced equation, 2 mol S produces 2 mol SO₃, so 0.0312 mol S produces 0.0312 mol SO₃. Molar mass of SO₃ is 80.07 g/mol, so theoretical yield = 0.0312 mol × 80.07 g/mol = 2.50 g. % yield = (actual yield / theoretical yield) × 100 = (0.80 g / 2.50 g) × 100 = 32%. However, the closest option is 47%, indicating a possible error in the options or calculation.

Sulfur and Oxygen React in a Combination Reaction to Produce