Balancing Equations Chemistry Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
Balance the equation: Fe+O2→Fe2O3\text{Fe} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3.

Solution

  1. 1
    Count atoms — unbalanced: Fe: 1 vs 2, O: 2 vs 3.
  2. 2
    Balance Fe first: put 2 in front of Fe on left. Now: 2Fe+O2→Fe2O32\text{Fe} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3. Fe balanced.
  3. 3
    Balance O: 2 on left, 3 on right. LCM of 2 and 3 is 6. Use 3O23\text{O}_2 (gives 6 O) and 2Fe2O32\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 (needs 6 O, but also needs 4 Fe).
  4. 4
    Update Fe: 4Fe+3O2→2Fe2O34\text{Fe} + 3\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3. Check: Fe: 4 = 4 ✓, O: 6 = 6 ✓.

Answer

4Fe+3O2→2Fe2O34\text{Fe} + 3\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3
Balancing equations ensures that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides, satisfying the law of conservation of mass.

About Balancing Equations

The process of adjusting the coefficients (the numbers placed before chemical formulas) in a chemical equation so that the number of atoms of each element.

Learn more about Balancing Equations →

More Balancing Equations Examples

Example 2 medium

Balance: [formula].

Example 3 medium

Balance: [formula].

Example 4 medium

Balance the equation for the formation of ammonia: [formula].

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