Question

balance the equation fe + o₂ → fe₂o₃

Explanation:

Step1: Balance oxygen atoms

Let the coefficients of \(Fe\), \(O_2\), \(Fe_2O_3\) be \(a\), \(b\), \(c\) respectively. The chemical equation is \(aFe + bO_2
ightarrow cFe_2O_3\). For oxygen atoms: \(2b = 3c\). Let \(c = 2\), then \(b=3\).

Step2: Balance iron atoms

For iron atoms: \(a = 2c\). Since \(c = 2\), then \(a = 4\).

Answer:

\(4Fe+3O_2
ightarrow2Fe_2O_3\)