Question

1. what coefficients are required to balance this equation?

__ fe₂o₃ + __co → 2fe + 3co₂
a. 2, 6
b. 1, 3
c. 1, 1
d. 1, 2

Explanation:

Step1: Check Fe atoms

On the right - hand side, there are 2 Fe atoms. In \(Fe_2O_3\), there are 2 Fe atoms. So the coefficient of \(Fe_2O_3\) is 1.

Step2: Check O and C atoms

Let the coefficient of \(CO\) be \(x\). The left - hand side has \(3 + x\) O atoms (3 from \(Fe_2O_3\) and \(x\) from \(CO\)), and the right - hand side has \(3\times2=6\) O atoms. Also, for C atoms, the left - hand side has \(x\) C atoms and the right - hand side has 3 C atoms.
From the O - atom balance: \(3 + x=6\), so \(x = 3\). Or from the C - atom balance: \(x=3\)

Answer:

B. 1, 3