which is the balanced equation for s₈ + o₂ → so₂?\no s₈ + o₁₆ → 8so₂\no s₈ + o₂ → s₈ + o₂\no s₈ + o₂ →…

Explanation:

Step1: Check atom - count on both sides

In a balanced chemical equation, the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side must equal the number of atoms of that element on the product side. For the reaction of $S_8$ with $O_2$ to form $SO_2$, we have 8 sulfur atoms in $S_8$.

Step2: Balance sulfur atoms first

To balance the sulfur atoms, we need to have 8 moles of $SO_2$ on the product - side since there are 8 sulfur atoms in $S_8$. So the equation becomes $S_8+O_2\rightarrow8SO_2$.

Step3: Balance oxygen atoms

On the product - side, in 8 moles of $SO_2$, there are $8\times2 = 16$ oxygen atoms. So we need 8 moles of $O_2$ (since each $O_2$ molecule has 2 oxygen atoms) on the reactant - side. The balanced equation is $S_8 + 8O_2\rightarrow8SO_2$.

Answer:

$S_8 + 8O_2\rightarrow8SO_2$ (the last option)