Which of the following equations is correctly balanced for the reaction between iron(III) oxide and carbon monoxide to produce iron and carbon dioxide?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer
A. Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
Principle or equation
A balanced chemical equation must have the same number of each type of atom on both sides.
Why this answer is correct
Check each option: In option A, left side has 2 Fe, 3 C, and 6 O; right side has 2 Fe, 3 C, and 6 O. It is balanced. Option B has 4 Fe, 3 C, and 9 O on left but 4 Fe, 3 C, and 6 O on right. Option C has 2 Fe, 2 C, and 5 O on left but 2 Fe, 2 C, and 4 O on right. Option D has 2 Fe, 1 C, and 4 O on left but 2 Fe, 1 C, and 2 O on right.
Example
Balancing Fe2O3 + CO → Fe + CO2: start with Fe2O3, need 2 Fe on right; then balance O by using 3 CO and 3 CO2, giving Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2.
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