Question

Balance the chemical equation below using the smallest possible whole number stoichiometric coefficients. Fe₂O₃(s) → Fe(s) + O₂(g)

a) 2 Fe₂O₃(s) → 4 Fe(s) + 3 O₂(g)
b) 3 Fe₂O₃(s) → 2 Fe(s) + 3 O₂(g)
c) 4 Fe₂O₃(s) → 8 Fe(s) + 6 O₂(g)
d) 5 Fe₂O₃(s) → 10 Fe(s) + 7 O₂(g)

Answer 1

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction Fe₂O₃(s) → Fe(s) + O₂(g) is 2 Fe₂O₃(s) → 4 Fe(s) + 3 O₂(g). In this reaction, Fe₂O₃ is being reduced to Fe, while carbon is being oxidized to CO₂. The coefficients in the balanced equation represent the stoichiometric ratios between the reactants and products.

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction Fe₂O₃(s) → Fe(s) + O₂(g) is 2 Fe₂O₃(s) → 4 Fe(s) + 3 O₂(g).

In this reaction, Fe₂O₃ is being reduced to Fe, while carbon is being oxidized to CO₂. It is important to note that oxidation and reduction always occur together in a reaction.

The coefficients in the balanced equation represent the stoichiometric ratios between the reactants and products. In this case, for every 2 moles of Fe₂O₃, 4 moles of Fe and 3 moles of O₂ are produced.