Question #f633a

1 Answer
Jun 12, 2016

#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!