2. write a balanced chemical equation to represent each reaction described below. (a) aluminum metal reacts…

2. write a balanced chemical equation to represent each reaction described below. (a) aluminum metal reacts with oxygen to form aluminum oxide. (b) metallic zinc combines with sulphur to form zinc sulphide.

2. write a balanced chemical equation to represent each reaction described below. (a) aluminum metal reacts with oxygen to form aluminum oxide. (b) metallic zinc combines with sulphur to form zinc sulphide.

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Identify reactants and products for (a)

Aluminum (Al) and oxygen ($O_2$) react to form aluminum oxide ($Al_2O_3$).

Step2: Balance the equation for (a)

We need 4 Al atoms and 3 $O_2$ molecules to get 2 $Al_2O_3$ molecules. So the balanced equation is $4Al + 3O_2=2Al_2O_3$.

Step3: Identify reactants and products for (b)

Zinc (Zn) and sulphur (S) react to form zinc sulphide (ZnS).

Step4: Balance the equation for (b)

1 Zn atom and 1 S atom form 1 ZnS molecule. So the balanced equation is $Zn + S = ZnS$.

Answer:

(a) $4Al + 3O_2=2Al_2O_3$ (b) $Zn + S = ZnS$