Question

Which is the properly balanced equation for the process in which iron oxide (Fe2O3) and carbon monoxide (CO) react to produce iron (Fe) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas?

A.
Fe2O3 + CO → Fe + CO2

B.
Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2

C.
2Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2

D.
3Fe2O3 + CO → 3Fe + 2CO2

Answer 1

Fe2O3(aqu) + CO (g) ------> Fe(s) + CO2 (g)

so we have Fe2O3 that has two moles iron and 3 moles oxygen. We need to balance this equation. We have two mole iron on left and one mole iron on right. SO we write 2 before iron on the right.

Fe2O3(aqu) + CO (g) ------> 2Fe(s) + CO2 (g)

Now we have 4 oxygen in the left and two oxygen in the right. We put a two before CO2.

Fe2O3(aqu) + CO (g) ------> 2Fe(s) + 2CO2

Now....we have 2 carbons on right and only 1 carbon on left. We add 3 before carbon Monoxide (CO) and 3 before carbon dioxode (CO2) to give us equal numbers of carbon and oxygen....

FINAL VERSION

Fe2O3(aqu) + 3CO (g) ------> 2Fe(s) + 3CO2

NOW-----> We have two irons on both sides. 3 carbons on both sides. and 6 Oxygen on both sides!

Hope this helps!