Question

Question #f633a

Answer 1

`Fe_2O_3 + 3 CO -> 2Fe + 3CO_2`

Explanation:

Forget what you have written above and start again. You made several mistakes in the second line of your equation, making it impossible to solve.

Most importantly: the molecules in the equation should not be taken apart as you did! So keep them clustered as in the equation you start with:

`...Fe_2O_3 +... CO -> ...Fe + ...CO_2`

From here it is a combination of common sense and trial and error:

Step 1 balance out the iron, leave the `Fe_2O_3` as it is, because you have enough room to play around with the `C` and `O` on both sides:

`1 Fe_2O_3 +... CO -> 2 Fe + ...CO_2`

Step2 then try to get the number of `O` on the left side to an even number. You have `3 * O` on the left, need `3` more to make it even:

`1 Fe_2O_3 +3 CO -> 2 Fe + ...CO_2`

Step3 now make the number of `C` equal on both side:

`1 Fe_2O_3 + 3 CO -> 2Fe + 3CO_2`

Finally, check the equation and you'll see it is balanced now!