K_p expression for partial pressure calculation Steps:

• Identify the K_p formula for the reaction: K_p = \frac{P_{SO3}^2}{P_{SO2}^2 \times P_{O2}} = 2.96 \times 10^{-4} Pa^{-1}
• Convert given partial pressures to Pa: P_{SO3} = 3030 Pa, P_{O2} = 375000 Pa
• Rearrange to solve for P_{SO2}: P_{SO2} = \sqrt{ \frac{P_{SO3}^2}{K_p \times P_{O2}} }
• Substitute values and compute: \frac{(3030)^2}{2.96 \times 10^{-4} \times 375000} = 82710, \sqrt{82710} = 609 Pa

Why B is correct:

• B matches the partial pressure of SO2 obtained by rearranging and solving the K_p expression.

Why the others are wrong:

• A is too low, resulting from neglecting the squared terms in K_p.
• C overestimates by omitting the division by K_p in the rearrangement.
• D is excessively high, likely from inverting the K_p formula.

Final answer: B