Can you proof law of chemical equivalence in the following reaction-

4 FeS + 7 O₂ → 2 Fe₂O₃ + 4 SO₂

To demonstrate the law of chemical equivalence using the reaction 4 FeS + 7 O2 → 2 Fe2O3 + 4 SO2, we need to understand what the law states. The law of chemical equivalence asserts that in a chemical reaction, the mass of the reactants must equal the mass of the products. This principle is fundamental in chemistry and helps us confirm that reactions are balanced in terms of mass and atoms.

Breaking Down the Reaction

Let’s analyze the given reaction step by step. The reaction involves iron(II) sulfide (FeS) and oxygen (O2) as reactants, producing iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) as products. To prove the law of chemical equivalence, we will calculate the total mass of the reactants and the total mass of the products.

Calculating the Mass of Reactants

First, we need to find the molar masses of each compound involved:

• Molar mass of FeS:
  • Fe: 55.85 g/mol
  • S: 32.07 g/mol
  • Total for FeS: 55.85 + 32.07 = 87.92 g/mol
• Molar mass of O2:
  • O: 16.00 g/mol
  • Total for O2: 2 × 16.00 = 32.00 g/mol

Now, we can calculate the total mass of the reactants:

• 4 FeS: 4 × 87.92 g/mol = 351.68 g
• 7 O2: 7 × 32.00 g/mol = 224.00 g

Adding these together gives:

Total mass of reactants = 351.68 g + 224.00 g = 575.68 g

Calculating the Mass of Products

Next, we calculate the mass of the products:

• Molar mass of Fe2O3:
  • Fe: 55.85 g/mol
  • O: 16.00 g/mol
  • Total for Fe2O3: (2 × 55.85) + (3 × 16.00) = 159.7 g/mol
• Molar mass of SO2:
  • S: 32.07 g/mol
  • O: 16.00 g/mol
  • Total for SO2: 32.07 + (2 × 16.00) = 64.07 g/mol

Now, we calculate the total mass of the products:

• 2 Fe2O3: 2 × 159.7 g/mol = 319.4 g
• 4 SO2: 4 × 64.07 g/mol = 256.28 g

Adding these together gives:

Total mass of products = 319.4 g + 256.28 g = 575.68 g

Comparing Masses

Now that we have both totals, we can compare the mass of the reactants to the mass of the products:

• Total mass of reactants: 575.68 g
• Total mass of products: 575.68 g

Since the total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products, we have successfully demonstrated the law of chemical equivalence for this reaction. This balance confirms that matter is conserved during the chemical reaction, which is a cornerstone of chemical principles.

Final Thoughts

This exercise not only illustrates the law of chemical equivalence but also reinforces the importance of stoichiometry in chemical reactions. By ensuring that we account for all atoms and their respective masses, we can confidently analyze and predict the outcomes of chemical processes.