Question

Balance the following chemical equation:
Fe(s) + H2O(g) → Fe3O4(s) + H2(g)

Answer 1

Answer:

3Fe(s)+4H2O(g)=Fe3O4+2H2

Answer 2

Answer:

So the final equation is written as:-

3 Fe  + 4 H2O -----   Fe3O4  +  4H2.

Explanation:

I believe that my friend earlier made a very small mistake when balancing the equation the first time. So regrets and I will try and correct this mistake.

Let us first understand that balancing a chemical equation is just like solving equation in Maths. This is why I enjoy them more.

We will try and balance this equation in steps so the process of learning is more easy for you.

To get started with balancing part, you have to consider all elements individually that are in two sides of the equation – Reactant side and the Product side.

(Note:- you have to keep in mind that any chemical equation will have only two sides – Reactant side and product side.

Here looking at both sides we have common elements:-

Reactant side:-  Fe (1) ,  H (2)  , O (1).

Product side:-    Fe (3)  ,  H ( 2) , O (4).

So, when comparing both sides – reactant and product side we understand that Reactant side has 1 of Fe and product side has 3 of Fe. This is not balanced. So first we add 2 more of Fe on reactant side to balance it. (but here we can only multiply so the reactant side Fe we multiply by 3 to make it balanced with product side.

Now we get

3Fe  + H2O ---------  Fe3O4  + H2.

Now again breaking down the elements on both sides we get:-

Reactant :- Fe (3)  , H(2) ,  O (1)

Product Side:- Fe (3)  , H (2) , O (4).

So, now Fe is balanced in both sides and H is balanced in both sides. But again O number is not balanced as reactant side has 1 of O and product side has 4 of O.

So balancing O now…

We get,  3Fe  + 4H2O --------   Fe3O4 + H2.

Now Fe on both sides are balanced = 3, O on both sides are balanced = 4 but on reactant side we have 4 x 2 = 8 H and on product side we have only 2 of H.

So multiplying 4 to H on the product side will balance the equation.

WE get

3 Fe  + 4 H2O ------  Fe3 O4 + 4H2.

Now it is balanced as

Reactant :- Fe (3)  , H ( 4x2 = 8)  , O (4).

Product :-  Fe (3) , H (4x2 = 8) , O (4).

As all elements on the reactant side are equal to product side so the equation is finally balanced.  

So the final equation is written as:-

3 Fe  + 4 H2O -----   Fe3O4  +  4H2.