Question

Balance the equation: Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + 3K(SCN) → 2K₃Fe(SCN)₆ + 3K₂SO₄

A) 2 Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + 3K(SCN) → 2K)₃Fe(SCN)₆ + 3K₂SO₄
B) Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + 3K(SCN) → K₃Fe(SCN)₆ + 3K₂SO₄
C) 3 Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + 3K(SCN) → 2K₃Fe(SCN)₆ + 3K₂SO₄
D) 4 Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + 3K(SCN) → 2K₃Fe(SCN)₆ + 3K₂SO₄

Answer 1

The correct balance for the equation given is Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + 3K(SCN) → K₃Fe(SCN)₆ + 3K₂SO₄, which corresponds to option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the equation of the reaction between iron(III) sulfate (Fe2(SO4)3) and potassium thiocyanate (K(SCN)), we should ensure that the number of atoms for each element on the reactant side is equal to the number on the product side. In order to find the correct balance, we may need to adjust the coefficients.

Examining the provided answer choices, we can see that option B) Fe2(SO4)3 + 3K(SCN) → K3Fe(SCN)6 + 3K2SO4 is correct. It provides the right stoichiometric coefficients to ensure that the atoms of each element are balanced on both sides of the equation.