A sample of SO₃ gas is decomposed to SO₂ and O₂.
2 SO₃(g) $\rightarrow$ 2 SO₂(g) + O₂(g)
If the total pressure of SO₂ and O₂ is 1340 torr, calculate the partial pressure of O₂ in torr.

Question

A sample of SO₃ gas is decomposed to SO₂ and O₂.
2 SO₃(g)

\rightarrow

2 SO₂(g) + O₂(g)
If the total pressure of SO₂ and O₂ is 1340 torr, calculate the partial pressure of O₂ in torr.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The balanced chemical equation shows that for every 2 moles of SO₃ decomposed, 1 mole of O₂ is produced. This means the mole fraction of O₂ in the products is 1/3 (1 mole O₂ for every 2 moles SO₂ + 1 mole O₂). Therefore, the partial pressure of O₂ is 1/3 of the total pressure, which is 1340 torr / 3 = 447 torr.

A Sample of SO3 Gas Is Decomposed to SO2 and O2

A Sample of SO₃ Gas Is Decomposed to SO₂ and O₂