Question

Which of the following is the correct balanced equation for the formation of rust (Fe2O3) when iron (Fe) interacts with oxygen (O2) in the air?

A. 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe2O₃
B. Fe + O₂ → Fe2O₃
C. 2Fe + 3O₂ → Fe2O₃
D. 2Fe + O₂ → Fe₂O₃

Answer 1

The correct balanced equation for the formation of rust (Fe2O3) when iron (Fe) reacts with oxygen (O2) in the air is option A: 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe2O₃.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct balanced equation for the formation of rust (Fe2O3) when iron (Fe) reacts with oxygen (O2) in the air is option A: 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe2O₃.

This equation shows that 4 iron atoms react with 3 oxygen molecules to form 2 molecules of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), which is rust.

The other options do not have the correct stoichiometric coefficients and do not represent the balanced equation for the formation of rust.