Stoichiometry of SO₂ Formation

Steps:

• Molar mass of sulfur (S) is 32 g/mol; 16 g S equals 16/32 = 0.5 mol S.
• Balanced equation: S + O₂ → SO₂, with 1:1 mole ratio of S to O₂.
• 0.5 mol S requires 0.5 mol O₂.
• Molar mass of O₂ is 32 g/mol; 0.5 mol O₂ = 0.5 × 32 = 16 g.

Why C is correct:

• Stoichiometry dictates 1:1 mass ratio of S to O₂ (both 32 g/mol), so 16 g S combines with 16 g O₂.

Why the others are wrong:

• A (4g): Uses mass of one O atom (16 g/mol), ignoring O₂ molecule.
• B (8g): Incorrectly halves O₂ mass, violating 1:1 ratio.
• D (32g): Assumes 2 mol O₂ per mol S, but equation requires only 1 mol.

Final answer: C