Question

When iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) is exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) under high pressure, metallic iron (Fe) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are produced. Write and balance the reaction equation

Answer 1

Answer:

The equation is Fe₂O₃ + CO ⇒ Fe + CO₂.

The balanced reaction equation is Fe₂O₃ + 3CO ⇒ 2Fe + 3CO₂.

Explanation:

First, we have to write our equation. It's actually pretty straightforward - first we look for our reactants (looks like it's Fe₂O₃ and CO), then we look for our products (Fe and CO₂). Then, we have to balance it so that both sides have the same number of both element.

Currently, we have the equation Fe₂O₃ + CO ⇒ Fe + CO₂. There are 2 Fe atoms, 4 O atoms, and 1 C atom on the left side. There is 1 Fe atom, 2 O atoms, and 1 C atom on the right side.

First thing we can do is give our Fe on the right side a coefficient of 2. This will make it equivalent to the 2 Fe atoms on the left side:

Fe₂O₃ + CO ⇒ 2Fe + CO₂

Next, we need to make sure that we have the same number of C and O atoms on each side. This takes a little bit of thinking, but what we have to do is give CO a coefficient of 3 and CO₂ a coefficient of 3. This gives us 6 O atoms on the left side (when we include the O₃) and 6 O atoms on the right side (since there are 3 O₂ atoms and 3 times 2 is 6). Here's what that looks like:

Fe₂O₃ + 3CO ⇒ 2Fe + 3CO₂

And that's how I balanced the equation. It can be confusing, but with enough practice, it will get easier and easier. :)