[lucasloredo]

Hello, i can't seem to figure out the process to complete this problem:

Heating a 6.862 g sample of an ore containing a metal sulfide in excess oxygen produces 1053 ml of SO₂ gas measure at 66*C and 739 mm Hg. Calculate the percentage by mass of sulfur in the ore.

Would the arbitrary formula be like this?:  Ore(+S) + O₂ -------------> SO₂

And then a mole relationship with the ore somehow?... I'm at a loss.

many thanks,
Lucas

[Albert]

In my opinion, you are right. Use a chemical equation, such as: S + O₂ -> SO₂, to calculate the moles of sulfur.

Then, you don't need any other ratio. In fact, once you have the moles of sulfur in the ore, calculate the weight of sulfur using its atomic mass.

Finally, with the weight of sulfur and of the whole ore, you'll be able to determine the percentage of sulfur in the sample.