Carborundum (silicon carbide), SiC, is a very hard material used as an abrasive on sandpaper and in other applications. It is prepared by the reaction of pure sand, SiO₂, with carbon at high temperature. Carbon monoxide, CO, is the other product of this reaction.

(a) Write the balanced equation for this reaction. (Omit states-of-matter from your answer. Use the lowest possible whole number coefficients.)

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(b) Calculate how many kilograms of SiO₂ are required to produce 3.45 kg of SiC.

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