Question

balance the following equation:

_al + _fe₂o₃ →_al₂o₃+ _fe

when the equation is properly balanced, the correct coefficients are, respectively

Explanation:

Step1: Balance oxygen atoms

$$\text{Al}+\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 ightarrow\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{Fe}$$

The number of oxygen atoms on both sides is already balanced (3 oxygen atoms on each side).

Step2: Balance aluminum atoms

$$2\text{Al}+\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 ightarrow\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{Fe}$$

Now, there are 2 aluminum atoms on the left - hand side.

Step3: Balance iron atoms

$$2\text{Al}+\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 ightarrow\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + 2\text{Fe}$$

There are 2 iron atoms on the left - hand side, so we put a coefficient of 2 in front of Fe on the right - hand side.

Answer:

2, 1, 1, 2