Question

use this chemical fe + o2 → __fe2o3 what coefficients of fe, o2 and fe2o3 will show that matter is conserved in this chemical reaction? a. 2, 1, 2 b. 2, 3, 2 c. 4, 1, 2 d. 4, 3, 2

Explanation:

Step1: Balance Fe atoms

Let the coefficients of \( \text{Fe} \), \( \text{O}_2 \), and \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) be \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) respectively. The equation is \( a\text{Fe} + b\text{O}_2
ightarrow c\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \). For Fe atoms: \( a = 2c \). Let's try \( c = 2 \), then \( a = 4 \).

Step2: Balance O atoms

For O atoms: \( 2b = 3c \). Since \( c = 2 \), then \( 2b = 3\times2 = 6 \), so \( b = 3 \).

Step3: Verify the equation

Substitute \( a = 4 \), \( b = 3 \), \( c = 2 \) into the equation: \( 4\text{Fe} + 3\text{O}_2
ightarrow 2\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \). Check Fe: 4 on left, \( 2\times2 = 4 \) on right. Check O: \( 3\times2 = 6 \) on left, \( 2\times3 = 6 \) on right. Balanced.

Answer:

D. 4, 3, 2