Final answer:
The missing product in the chemical equation in question is 4Fe, completing the equation as 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 3CO2 + 4Fe. This reflects a redox reaction consisting of the reduction of iron oxide and oxidation of carbon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The missing product in the chemical equation 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 3CO2 + ________ is 4Fe (4 moles of iron). This equation represents a redox reaction where reduction of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) to iron (Fe) occurs by the removal of oxygen atoms, and oxidation of carbon (C) to carbon dioxide (CO2) happens as carbon gains oxygen atoms.
The balanced chemical equation is 2Fe2O3 (s) + 3C (s) → 4Fe (s) + 3CO2 (g). Oxidation and reduction always occur simultaneously in a reaction, as they are complementary processes.