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Which is the next logical step in balancing the given equation? 3CO(g) + Fe2O3(s) Fe(s) + 3CO2(g)

A. Place the coefficient 2 in front of iron(III) oxide.
B. Leave it alone, as it is already balanced.
C. Place the coefficient 2 in front of elemental iron.
D. Replace the coefficient 3 in carbon monoxide with 6.

2 Answers

5 votes

I believe that the answer is A.

User DonJ
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1 vote

Answer : The correct option is, (C) Place the coefficient 2 in front of elemental iron.

Explanation :

Balanced chemical reaction : It is defined as the number of atoms of individual elements present on reactant side must be equal to the product side.

The given unbalanced chemical reaction is,


3CO(g)+Fe_2O_3(s)\rightarrow Fe(s)+3CO_2(g)

This chemical reaction is an unbalanced reaction because in this reaction, the number of atoms of iron are not balanced while all the atoms are balanced.

In order to balanced the chemical reaction, the coefficient 2 is put before the 'Fe'.

Thus, the balanced chemical reaction will be,


3CO(g)+Fe_2O_3(s)\rightarrow 2Fe(s)+3CO_2(g)

User Tim Dorr
by
5.2k points