Chapter 3.7, Problem 1PE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Balanced chemical equation for reaction between iron(III) oxide and carbon monoxide forming iron and carbon dioxide has to be written.

Concept Introduction:

Balanced equation

• Every chemical reaction obliges Law of conservation of mass which states the mass of total amount of the product should be equal to the total mass of the reactants as matter can neither be destroyed nor be created.
• Law of definite proportion states that a chemical compound always contains its constituent elements in a fixed ratio by mass.  It does neither depend on the source of the preparation nor depend on the method of preparation.
• A chemical equation is balanced based on the above two laws.

Steps involved in balancing chemical equation

• The reactants and products are identified and their correct molecular formula have to be written on left side and right side of the equation respectively.
• Using positive integer values try balancing the number if atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
• Firstly, note the element that appear only one time on each side of the equation with same number of atoms on each side.  The formulae containing these elements must have same co-efficient that there will not be any need to adjust the co-efficient of these elements.
• Secondly, note the elements that appear only one time on each side of the equation with different number of atoms.  Using the co-efficient balance these atoms and make them equal in number on both sides.