To determine the correct balanced equation for the reaction of iron (Fe) with oxygen (O₂) to form ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), we must ensure that the number of each type of atom on the reactant side equals the number on the product side.
Here's the given unbalanced equation:
[tex]\[ Fe + O_2 \rightarrow Fe_2O_3 \][/tex]
Let's balance the equation step by step:
1. Balance the Iron (Fe) atoms:
In the product, there are 2 iron atoms (Fe₂O₃). Therefore, we need 2 iron atoms on the reactant side:
[tex]\[ 2 Fe + O_2 \rightarrow Fe_2O_3 \][/tex]
2. Balance the Oxygen (O) atoms:
In the product, there are 3 oxygen atoms (Fe₂O₃). To determine how many molecules of oxygen (O₂) we need in the reactants, remember that each O₂ molecule contains 2 oxygen atoms.
If we need 3 total oxygen atoms, we have to introduce a factor that balances out to give us an even integer on both sides. To achieve the balance of oxygen atoms, we need 3 O₂ molecules:
[tex]\[ 4 Fe + 3 O_2 \rightarrow 2 Fe_2O_3 \][/tex]
3. Check the balance:
- On the left side (reactants), we now have 4 iron atoms and 6 oxygen atoms (from 3 O₂ molecules).
- On the right side (products), we have 4 iron atoms (from 2 Fe₂O₃) and 6 oxygen atoms (also from 2 Fe₂O₃ molecules).
All atoms balance correctly, which means we have the correct balanced equation.
The balanced chemical equation is:
[tex]\[ 4 Fe + 3 O_2 \rightarrow 2 Fe_2O_3 \][/tex]
Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. [tex]\( 4 Fe + 3 O_2 \rightarrow 2 Fe_2O_3 \)[/tex]
