Question

Why is C+O2=> CO2 instead of 2CO?

Answer 1

because there isnt 2 carbons on the left side of the equation

Answer 2

But here's how I did it;
First, the equation was C+ O2. C has the opposite charge of whatever O has, and O is a -2, which means C has a charge of +2. So it ends up being CO and to balance it out, it becomes 2C+O2=> 2CO @Sheng

Answer 3

but your equation states there are 2 oxygens, and only 1 carbon
meaning it can only form CO2 to balance

Answer 4

if there were 2C + O2 then it would yield 2CO

Answer 5

But doesn't it depend on the charges?

Answer 6

and just an extra piece of information, burning carbon yields CO2 99% of the time, carbon monoxide is only produced during incomplete combustion

Answer 7

carbon only can exist in +4 or -4 state

Answer 8

What about Fe+S8? I used the same method I did with C+O2, and got the correct answer

Answer 9

why would it be written as S8?

Answer 10

are you implying there are 8 sulfurs bonded together?

Answer 11

Yes @Sheng

Answer 12

Sulfur is always written as S8 and phosphorus is written as P4

Answer 13

S8 = octasulfur, i've never dealt with this compound before