Question

Balance the following reaction: `"__Fe +___NaBr"``rarr``"____FeBr"_3 + "___Na"`?

and what reaction would this be classified as?
-Synthesis
-Single Replacement
-Decomposition
-Combustion
-Double replacement

Answer 1

`"Fe + 3NaBr"` `rarr` `"FeBr"_3 + "3Na"`

`"Fe + 3NaBr"` `rarr` `"no reaction"` (Refer to the explanation.)

Single replacement (displacement) reaction format.

Explanation:

Balanced equation

`"Fe + 3NaBr"` `rarr` `"FeBr"_3 + "3Na"`

This is in the form of a single replacement (displacement) reaction. However, the elemental metal replacing the metal in the compound must be more reactive than the metal in the compound.

If you consult a metal reactivity series, you will see that iron (Fe) cannot replace sodium (Na) because it is less reactive than sodium. So this reaction would not take place.

`"Fe + 3NaBr"` `rarr` `"no reaction"`

The opposite reaction would occur.

`"3Na + FeBr"_3"` `rarr` `"Fe + 3NaBr"`

A metal can only replace (displace) a metal below it in the series. Note that Na is above Fe in the series.