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Iron reacts with oxygen to produce iron oxide (rust). This reaction is represented in an equation as 4Fe + xO2 → 2Fe2O3. Identify the value of x that will balance the equation.

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Answer:

The value of x will be " 3 ".

Step-by-step explanation:

The iron reacts with moist air and leads to formation of reddish brown layer on its surface that is rust .

It is corrosion but in case of iron is called as "rust ".

The conditions necessary for rusting is :

  • Moisture
  • Air

When iron comes in contact with moist air rusting occurs .

The chemical formula of rust is ; Fe₂O₃.x H₂O

The overall reaction can be represented as :

4 Fe + xO₂-->2 Fe₂O₃

we also know that , mass in any chemical reaction cant be created nor be destroyed ,it remains conserved .So,in accordance with Law of conservation of mass we balance the equation .

Therefore , to balance oxygen we need to multiply it with 3 so as to equalize 6 moles on both sides .

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