Question #6d6ed

1 Answer
Nov 7, 2015

Fe_2O_3Fe2O3 + 3H_23H2 rarr 2Fe2Fe + 3H_2O3H2O

Explanation:

All you need to do is tally the atoms.

Fe_2O_3Fe2O3 + H_2H2 rarr FeFe + H_2OH2O (unbalanced)

left side: Fe = 2; O = 3; H = 2
right side: Fe = 1; O = 1; H = 2

Balance the easiest atom first.

Fe_2O_3Fe2O3 + H_2H2 rarr color (red) 2Fe2Fe + H_2OH2O

left side: Fe = 2; O = 3; H = 2
right side: Fe = (1 x color (red) 22) = 2; O = 1; H = 2

Fe_2O_3Fe2O3 + H_2H2 rarr 2Fe2Fe + color (green) 3H_2O3H2O

left side: Fe = 2; O = 3; H = 2
right side: Fe = (1 x 2) = 2; O = (1 x color (green) 33) = 3; H = (2 x color (green) 33) = 6

Since H_2OH2O is a substance, you need to also multiply the coefficient 3 to its HH atom.

Now the only thing left to balance is the HH atom on the left.

Fe_2O_3Fe2O3 + color (blue)3H_23H2 rarr 2Fe2Fe + 3H_2O3H2O

left side: Fe = 2; O = 3; H = (2 x color (blue)33) = 6
right side: Fe = (1 x 2) = 2; O = (1 x 3) = 3; H = (2 x 3) = 6

The equation in now balanced.