Question

sulfuryl chloride (so₂cl₂) is a substance used to make chemicals for killing insects. it breaks down over time into sulfur dioxide (so₂) and chlorine gas (cl₂). which chemical equation accurately represents this reaction? so₂cl₂ (g) → so₂ (g) + 2cl₂ (g) so₂cl₂ (g) → 2so₂ (g) + cl₂ (g) so₂cl₂ (g) → so₂ (g) + cl₂ (g) 2so₂cl₂ (g) → so₂ (g) + cl₂ (g)

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms on both sides

For \(SO_2Cl_2\) (reactant): 1 S, 2 O, 2 Cl.
For \(SO_2\) (product): 1 S, 2 O. For \(Cl_2\) (product): 2 Cl.

Step2: Check equation balance

In \(SO_2Cl_2(g)\to SO_2(g)+Cl_2(g)\),
Reactant side: 1 S, 2 O, 2 Cl.
Product side: 1 S (\(SO_2\)), 2 O (\(SO_2\)), 2 Cl (\(Cl_2\)). Atoms are balanced.

In \(SO_2Cl_2(g)\to SO_2(g)+2Cl_2(g)\), product side has 4 Cl (from \(2Cl_2\)) while reactant has 2 Cl. Not balanced.
In \(SO_2Cl_2(g)\to 2SO_2(g)+Cl_2(g)\), product side has 2 S (from \(2SO_2\)) while reactant has 1 S. Not balanced.
In \(2SO_2Cl_2(g)\to SO_2(g)+Cl_2(g)\), reactant side has 2 S (from \(2SO_2Cl_2\)) while product has 1 S. Not balanced.

Answer:

\(SO_2Cl_2(g)\to SO_2(g)+Cl_2(g)\) (the third option in the given choices)