According to the chemical equation
4KO2(s) + 2CO2(g) ---> 2K2CO3(s)
+ 3O2(g)
b) how many molecules of dioxygen are produced when eight
formula units of KO2 react?
Answer
According to the balanced chemical equation when four formula
units of potassium superoxide react (assuming excess carbon
dioxide) three molecules of dioxygen form. Potassium superoxide
and dioxygen always combine in this ratio according to this
equation. We can use this relationship as a unit conversion
factor to convert between potassium superoxide and dioxygen.
![](IntroS2.gif)
This conversion between potassium superoxide and dioxygen
tells us the six molecule of dioxygen are formed when eight
formula units of potassium superoxide react.