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Ch.22 - Chemistry of the Nonmetals
Chapter 22, Problem 79

Complete the exercises below. Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false. 2SO₂ (g) + O₂ (g) → 2SO₃ (g) is an example of a disproportionation reaction.

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Understand the concept of a disproportionation reaction. A disproportionation reaction is a type of redox reaction in which a single substance is simultaneously oxidized and reduced, forming two different products.
Step 2: Analyze the given chemical equation: 2SO₂ (g) + O₂ (g) → 2SO₃ (g). Identify the reactants and products in the reaction.
Step 3: Determine the oxidation states of sulfur in the reactants and products. In SO₂, sulfur has an oxidation state of +4, and in SO₃, sulfur has an oxidation state of +6.
Step 4: Check if the same element is both oxidized and reduced. In this reaction, sulfur in SO₂ is only oxidized to form SO₃, and there is no reduction of sulfur occurring.
Step 5: Conclude whether the reaction is a disproportionation reaction. Since sulfur is only oxidized and not reduced, this reaction is not a disproportionation reaction.