Question

balancing equations
type coefficients to balance the equation.
fes+ o₂→ fe₂o₃ + so₂
build a graphical version of the balanced equation.
(view the example on slide #17)

Explanation:

Step1: Balance Fe atoms

Let the coefficient of \(FeS\) be \(a\), \(Fe_2O_3\) be \(b\). For Fe atoms: \(a = 2b\). Let \(b = 2\), then \(a=4\).

Step2: Balance S atoms

Since \(a = 4\) (from Fe balance), for S atoms, if the coefficient of \(SO_2\) is \(c\), then \(a=c\), so \(c = 4\).

Step3: Balance O atoms

The coefficient of \(O_2\) is \(d\). The number of O atoms on the left - hand side is \(2d\), and on the right - hand side, it is \(3b + 2c\). Substitute \(b = 2\) and \(c = 4\), we get \(3\times2+2\times4=6 + 8=14\). Then \(2d=14\), so \(d = 7\).

Answer:

\(4FeS+7O_2
ightarrow2Fe_2O_3 + 4SO_2\)