GATE 2024 CE (CE2) – Question 61
An organic waste is represented as C$_{240}$O$_{200}$H$_{180}$N$_5$S. (Atomic weights: S-32, H-1, C-12, O-16, N-14). Assume complete conversion of S to SO$_2$ while burning.
SO$_2$ generated (in grams) per kg of this waste is ___________ (rounded off to 1 decimal place).
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Correct answer: 10.05 to 10.15
Explanation
The molecular weight is $240 \times 12 + 200 \times 16 + 180 \times 1 + 5 \times 14 + 32 = 2880 + 3200 + 180 + 70 + 32 = 6362$ g/mol. Each mole holds one sulphur atom, which gives one mole of SO₂ (64 g). So 1000 g of waste gives $\frac{1000}{6362} \times 64 = 10.06$ g of SO₂, which is 10.1 g.