Question

add the correct coefficients to balance the following skeleton equation:______h_{2}co_{3}→______h_{2}o +______co_{2}be careful with the oxygens______fe_{3}o_{4}+______h_{2}→____fe +____h_{2}o

Explanation:

Step1: Balance \(H_2CO_3\to H_2O + CO_2\)

• For \(H_2CO_3\to H_2O + CO_2\), count atoms:
• Reactants: \(H = 2\), \(C=1\), \(O = 3\)
• Products: \(H = 2\), \(C = 1\), \(O=1 + 2=3\)
• Coefficients: \(1H_2CO_3\to1H_2O + 1CO_2\)

Step2: Balance \(Fe_3O_4+H_2\to Fe + H_2O\)

• Use trial - and - error.
• Balance \(Fe\): \(Fe_3O_4\) has \(3Fe\), so \(Fe\) coefficient is \(3\).
• Balance \(O\): \(Fe_3O_4\) has \(4O\). In \(H_2O\), if \(H_2O\) coefficient is \(4\), then \(O\) is balanced.
• Balance \(H\): \(H_2O\) has \(8H\) (from \(4H_2O\)), so \(H_2\) coefficient is \(4\).
• Equation: \(1Fe_3O_4+4H_2\to3Fe + 4H_2O\)

Answer:

• \(1H_2CO_3\to1H_2O + 1CO_2\)
• \(1Fe_3O_4+4H_2\to3Fe + 4H_2O\)