Chapter 11.1, Problem 3SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the balance of chemical reactions.

Concept Introduction: When the count of atoms in both directions of the chemical reaction will be identical then it will be referred to as a balanced chemical reaction.

Answer to Problem 3SP

The balanced chemical reaction will be:

  $\text{3CO}\text{}{\text{+Fe}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}\to 2\text{Fe}\text{+}3{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$

Explanation of Solution

The given chemical reaction is $\text{CO}\text{}{\text{+Fe}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}\to \text{Fe}\text{+}{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$

The count of carbon atoms on the reactant side = 1

The count of carbon atoms on the reactant side = 1

The count of oxygen atoms on the reactant side = 4

The count of oxygen atoms on the product side = 2

The count of the iron atom on the reactant side = 2

The count of the iron atom on the product side = 1

It can be seen that the count of iron and oxygen atom is not balanced on both sides of the reaction.

By multiplying with 3 as the coefficient of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and with 2 by iron atom then the equation will be balanced.

  $\text{3CO}\text{}{\text{+Fe}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}\to 2\text{Fe}\text{+}3{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$