J.R. S. answered • 07/02/23
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So, once you have determined the formula of the iron oxide to be Fe2O3, now you must use that and balance the equation for producing that compound. This would be as follows:
Fe + O2 ==> Fe2O3 .. unbalanced equation
4Fe + 3O2 ==> 2Fe2O3 .. balanced equation
J.R. S.
tutor
Yes. Oxygen doesn't really exist as "O", but is a diatomic molecule (O2), just like nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), and the halogens (F2, Cl2, I2, Br2). So, we can't write an equation like Fe + O or Fe + 2O. It has to be O2. Then to balance the equation, you need 4Fe , 3O2 to make 2 Fe2O3. Hope that makes sense.
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07/02/23
Terry F.
It does. Thank you very much, it's been a real help.
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07/02/23
Terry F.
So what you're saying here is that, since oxygen comes in pairs (O2), Fe2O3 wouldn't happen, we need to deliver the oxygen in pairs so we need an even number of oxygen atoms, is that right? THAT's why we need to say 2Fe2O3? So we have an even number of oxygen atoms? Thank you for your prompt reply, it's a real help!07/02/23