The properties of oxides
4 marks · NormalSulfur burns in air to form sulfur dioxide.
Write a balanced equation for the reaction of sulfur with oxygen.
State whether sulfur dioxide is acidic, basic or neutral.
Explain your answer to (b).
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(a) S(s) + O2(g) -> SO2(g)
(b) Acidic
(c) Sulfur dioxide is acidic because it is a non-metal oxide, and non-metal oxides are generally acidic; it forms an acidic solution in water.
Common mistakes: Balancing equation incorrectly; Saying sulfur dioxide is basic
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Marking points
A1 (a) · 1 mark · Balanced equation given: S(s) + O2(g) -> SO2(g)
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Correctly states sulfur dioxide is acidic.
E1 (c) · 1 mark · Explains sulfur dioxide comes from a non-metal oxide; non-metal oxides are acidic.
E2 (c) · 1 mark · Further explains or mentions that sulfur dioxide dissolves in water to make an acidic solution.
Worked solution
a) S(s) + O2(g) -> SO2(g)
b) Sulfur dioxide is acidic.
c) Sulfur dioxide is a non-metal oxide, and non-metal oxides are generally acidic; SO2 dissolves in water to form an acidic solution.