Question

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.Place the coefficient 2 in front of iron(III) oxide.
C.Place the coefficient 2 in front of elemental iron.
D.Replace the coefficient 3 in carbon monoxide with 6.

Answer 1

We are given with the equation 3CO(g) + Fe2O3(s) to form Fe(s) + 3CO2(g). To balance the given equation, we do elemental balance and verify each. for C we have 3 moles in each side. For O, we have 6 moles in each side. However for Fe, we have 2 moles in the left and only one mole in the right. Hence, there should be 2 moles of Fe(s) in the balance

Answer 2

we are given the equation 3CO(g) + Fe2O3(s)= Fe(s) + 3CO2(g) and determine the next step in balancing the equation. In this case,C is already balanced. The next step is to balance Fe so we put 2 before Fe (s) to balance the 2 atoms in the left of the equation.