The following chemical equation is not balanced: #Fe_2O_3 + H_2SO_4 -> Fe_2(SO_4)_3 + H_2O#. When this chemical equation is correctly balanced, what is the coefficient of the water molecule?

1 Answer
Aug 1, 2016

#Fe_2O_3(s) + 3H_2SO_4(aq)rarrFe_2(SO_4)_3 + 3H_2O#

Explanation:

Water has a #3# coeeficient. Is the equation stoichiometrically balanced? If not, then it should be.

The oxide ion is dibasic, and reacts with 2 equiv #H^+# to give the water molecule:

#O^(2-) +2H^(+) rarr H_2O#

How would write a balanced equation that represented the formation of nickel chloride from nickel oxide?

#"Nickel oxide + hydrochloric acid "rarr" Nickel chloride + water"#