What is the correct sequence of coefficients when the equation CS2(l) + O2(g) → CO2(g) + SO2(g) is balanced?

• A. 1, 1, 1, 1
• B. 1, 3, 1, 2
• C. 1, 2, 1, 3
• D. 2, 3, 2, 2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Start by identifying the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products. For the equation CS2(l) + O2(g) → CO2(g) + SO2(g), count the atoms: Carbon (C), Sulfur (S), and Oxygen (O).
2. Write down the initial unbalanced equation: CS2(l) + O2(g) → CO2(g) + SO2(g). Note that there is 1 C atom, 2 S atoms, and 2 O atoms in CS2, and O2 has 2 O atoms.
3. Balance the carbon atoms first. Since there is 1 C atom in CS2 and 1 C atom in CO2, the carbon is already balanced.
4. Next, balance the sulfur atoms. There are 2 S atoms in CS2, so you need 2 SO2 molecules to have 2 S atoms on the product side. This gives the partial equation: CS2(l) + O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2 SO2(g).
5. Finally, balance the oxygen atoms. There are 4 O atoms needed on the product side (2 from CO2 and 4 from 2 SO2, totaling 6 O atoms). Therefore, you need 3 O2 molecules to provide 6 O atoms. The balanced equation is: CS2(l) + 3 O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2 SO2(g).