Question

Three atoms of iron (Fe) are to be combined with four molecules of oxygen (O2). How many total iron atoms and oxygen molecules will be combined during the formation of Fe3O4

Answer 1

Answer : The total iron atoms and oxygen molecules will be, 3 and 2 respectively.

Explanation :

Atom : It is defined as the smallest particle that has the properties of an element.

Molecule : It is the smallest particle in the chemical compound or chemical element that has the same chemical properties of that compound or element.

Balanced chemical reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which the number of atoms of individual elements present on reactant side must be equal to the product side.

The formation reaction of
`Fe_3O_4` will be:

`3Fe+2O_2\rightarrow Fe_3O_4`

By the stoichiometry of the reaction we can say that, 3 atoms of iron (Fe) are combined with 2 molecules of oxygen (O₂) to give
`Fe_3O_4`.

Thus, the total iron atoms and oxygen molecules will be, 3 and 2 respectively.