stoiciometry and equations

Question

Starting with the following equation, Fe₃O₄(s) + CO(g) → Fe(l) + CO₂(g) calculate the mass in grams of Fe₃O₄ that will be required to produce 225 grams of Fe.

Answer 1

Let's map out what this question is asking first. The question is asking us to calculate the mass (g) of Fe₃O₄ required to produce 225 grams of Fe.

First, we must look for the relationship between Fe and Fe₃O₄(s) using the given equation

Fe₃O₄(s) + CO(g) → Fe(l) + CO₂(g). However, the reaction is unbalanced, so we must balance our reaction in order to see the correct relationship between Fe and Fe₃O₄(s).

Balanced Reaction: Fe₃O₄(s) + 4CO(g) → 3Fe(l) + 4CO₂(g)

Now, given the above information, let us solve for the mass of Fe₃O₄ required to produce 225 grams of Fe using dimensional analysis.

225 g Fe * (1 mol Fe/55.84 g Fe) * (1mol Fe₃O₄ / 3 mol Fe) * (231.53 g Fe₃O₄ /1 mol Fe₃O₄ ) = 310.97 g Fe₃O₄

Since the question gives the grams of Fe with 3 sig figs, our answer should also be given in 3 sig figs. Hence, the final answer is 311 g Fe₃O₄.

Molar Masses were found using a periodic table:

Molar Mass of Fe = 55.84 g/mol

Molar Mass of Fe₃O₄ = 231.53 g/mol

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.