Question

select the correct number. iron reacts with oxygen to produce iron oxide (rust). this reaction is represented in an equation as 4fe + xo₂ → 2fe₂o₃. identify the value of x that will balance the equation.

Explanation:

Step1: Count oxygen atoms on right - hand side

In $2Fe_2O_3$, the number of oxygen atoms is $2\times3 = 6$.

Step2: Determine value of x for oxygen balance

On the left - hand side, we have $xO_2$. Since each $O_2$ molecule has 2 oxygen atoms, and we need a total of 6 oxygen atoms, then $2x=6$. Solving for $x$, we get $x = 3$.

Answer:

3