Need help with chemistry work

Question

Zinc sulfide and oxygen gas react to form zinc oxide and sulfur dioxide. Determine the amount (g) of SO 2 that should be produced in a reaction between 32.5 g of ZnS and 23.3 g of oxygen gas. What is the mass of the xs reactant ?

Answer 1

So Jim H.,

In order, you need to

1) write the balanced equation for the reaction; look up any formulas you don't immediately figure out

2) Convert the masses given into moles of each reactant, using the molar mass of each reactant

3) Form the ratio of the given reactants by moles, and compare to the ratio of coefficients of those reactants in the balanced equation. Most likely, you will find that one reactant is present in stoichiometric excess, and one is stoichiometrically limiting.

4) Use the limiting reactant to find the #moles of the other reactant that are used("M1"). Use the coefficients in the balanced reaction as a ratio to do that. Any "unused" moles of that other reactant, are excess.

5) Use the coefficients of that limiting reactant and the target product to "step across" to the #moles of target product formed, starting from the M1 figure.

6) From #moles of SO2, multiply by the molar mass to obtain g SO2.

-- Cheers, --Mr. d.