Question

balance the chemical equation using the smallest possible whole number coefficients.
if the coefficient is 1, you may leave it blank.
fe (s) + s₈ (s) → fes (s)

Explanation:

Step1: Balance sulfur atoms

On the reactant side, there are 8 S atoms in $\text{S}_8$. On the product side, each FeS has 1 S atom, so we need 8 FeS to get 8 S atoms:

$$\square \text{Fe}_{(s)} + \text{S}_{8(s)} ightarrow 8\text{FeS}_{(s)}$$

Step2: Balance iron atoms

Now the product side has 8 Fe atoms (from 8 FeS). So we need 8 Fe atoms on the reactant side:

$$8\text{Fe}_{(s)} + \text{S}_{8(s)} ightarrow 8\text{FeS}_{(s)}$$

Step3: Verify atom counts

Fe: 8 on reactant, 8 on product. S: 8 on reactant, 8 on product. Equation is balanced.

Answer:

$\boldsymbol{8}$ Fe$_{(s)}$ + $\boldsymbol{1}$ S$_{8(s)}$ $
ightarrow$ $\boldsymbol{8}$ FeS$_{(s)}$