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Multiple Choice
H2S is converted into elemental sulfur through the two-step process called the Claus process: Step 1: 2 H2S (g) + 3 O2 (g) → 2 SO2 (g) + 2 H2O (g) Step 2: 2 H2S (g) + 3 O2 (g) → 2 SO2 (g) + 2 H2O (g)Determine the number of electrons transferred in step one of the Claus process.
A
2
B
4
C
6
D
10
E
12
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the oxidation states of each element in the reactants and products of Step 1. For H2S, hydrogen (H) is +1 and sulfur (S) is -2. For O2, oxygen (O) is 0. In SO2, sulfur (S) is +4 and oxygen (O) is -2. In H2O, hydrogen (H) is +1 and oxygen (O) is -2.
Determine the change in oxidation state for sulfur in H2S to sulfur in SO2. Sulfur goes from -2 in H2S to +4 in SO2, which is a change of 6 electrons per sulfur atom.
Since there are 2 moles of H2S reacting, calculate the total number of electrons transferred. Each sulfur atom undergoes a change of 6 electrons, and there are 2 sulfur atoms, so multiply 6 electrons by 2.
Consider the stoichiometry of the reaction. The balanced equation shows that 2 moles of H2S are involved, confirming that the total electron transfer is consistent with the stoichiometry.
Conclude that the total number of electrons transferred in Step 1 of the Claus process is 12, as each sulfur atom transfers 6 electrons and there are 2 sulfur atoms involved.