Question

Iron 3 oxide and carbon react to form iron and carbon dioxide. Balance the equation.

Answer 1

Answer:

2 Fe(iii)2O3 + 3 C ==> 2 Fe  + 3 CO2

Explanation:

First of all, you have to translate the words into an equation.

Fe(iii)2O3 + C ==> Fe  + CO2

The easiest way to tackle this is to start with the Oxygens and balance them. They must balance by going to the greatest common factor which is 6. So you multiply the molecule by whatever it takes to get the Oxygens to 6

2 Fe(iii)2O3 + C   ==>     Fe  + 3 CO2

Now work on the irons. There 2 on the left and just 1 on the right. So you need to multiply the iron by 2.

2 Fe(iii)2O3 + C ==> 2 Fe  + 3 CO2

Finally it is the turn of the carbons. There are 3 on the right, so you must make the carbon on the left = 3

2 Fe(iii)2O3 + 3 C ==> 2 Fe  + 3 CO2

And you are done.