Equal moles of sulfur dioxide gas and oxygen gas are mixed in a flexible reaction vessel and then sparked to initiate the formation of gaseous sulfur trioxide. assume- ing that the reaction goes to completion, what is the ra- tio of the final volume of the gas mixture to the initial volume of the gas mixture if both volumes are measured at the same temperature and pressure?

Ratio of the final volume of the gas mixture to the initial volume of the gas mixture is 2 : 3

Explanation:

Before proceeding, we have to write out the balanced chemical equation and this is given as;

sulfur dioxide gas + oxygen gas → gaseous sulfur trioxide

SO₂ + O₂  → SO₃

Upon balancing the equation, we have;

2SO₂ + O₂  → 2SO₃

From the equation, we can tell that 2 moles of SO₂ react with 1 moles of O₂ to give 2 moles of SO₃.

Applying gay lusaac's law;

Gay Lussac's Law of Combining Volumes states that when gases react, they do so in volumes which bear a simple ratio to one another, and to the volume of the product(s) formed if gaseous, provided the temperature and pressure remain constant.

This means 2 vol of SO₂ react with 1 vol of O₂ to give 2 vol of SO₃.

Initial volume of gas mixture (No product has been formed) = 2 vol of SO₂ + 1 vol of O₂ = 3 vol

Final volume of gas mixture (Reactants has been exhausted and product formed) = 2 vol of SO₃

Ratio (Final : Initial);

2 : 3