Question

Smelting of ores to produce pure metals is an atmospheric source of sulfur dioxide.

Part A Galena, the most common mineral of lead is primarily lead(II) sulfide (PbS). The first step in the production of pure lead is to oxidize lead sulfide into lead(II) sulfite (PbSO3). Lead(II) sulfite is then thermally decomposed into lead(II) oxide and sulfur dioxide gas. Balance the following equation. PbSO3(s)⟶PbO(s)+SO2(g) Express your answer as a chemical equation. Identify all of the phases in your answer.

Answer 1

In the first step Lead Sulfide is oxidized to Lead Sulfate. The Chemical equation can be given as below with states of matter.

Balanced equation:
2 PbS (s) + 3 O₂ (g) =====> 2 PbSO₃ (s)
Reaction type: synthesis

In the second step , The lead sulfate is decomposed to Lead oxide and SO2 gas which can be given in chemical equation as below with states of matter.

Balanced equation:
PbSO₃(s) ====> PbO(s) + SO₂ (g)
Reaction type: decomposition

PV= nRT

P = Pressure in atm                       V= Volume in Liter

n = no of moles               R = 0.0821 L atm K-1 Mol-1

T = Temperature in Kelvin

Liter of SO2 produced =  1.037 x 0.0821 x 573 / 1 = 48.78 Liters