Combustion stoichiometry check: One kilogram of sulphur (S) reacts with one kilogram of oxygen (O2) to yield two kilograms of sulphur dioxide (SO2). Is this statement correct?

Introduction / Context:Sulphur oxidation is a standard stoichiometric reaction in combustion and gas treatment. Verifying mass ratios builds comfort with balancing reactions and predicting flue-gas composition for desulphurization or sulfuric acid production trains.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Reaction considered: S + O2 → SO2 (complete oxidation to dioxide).
• Atomic masses: S = 32, O = 16.
• Ideal, complete conversion without side reactions.

Concept / Approach:

Balance by moles: 1 mol S (32 kg/kmol) reacts with 1 mol O2 (32 kg/kmol) to form 1 mol SO2 (64 kg/kmol). Thus, per kilogram basis, 1 kg S needs 1 kg O2 and produces 2 kg SO2. While further oxidation to SO3 can occur in catalytic processes, the primary combustion product without catalyst is SO2.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Mass conservation and standard oxidation supports the same ratio; flue-gas analyzers report SO2 as the primary sulfur oxide absent catalytic conversion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Dependence on excess air or pressure does not change the stoichiometric mass ratio for the ideal reaction.SO3 formation requires specific catalytic conditions; it is not the default product in simple combustion.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing oxygen atom mass with O2 molecular mass; always use O2 = 32 for combustion stoichiometry.

Final Answer:

True