What coefficients would balance the following chemical equation? Fe + O_2 → Fe_2O_3

• A. 1, 1, 1
• B. 2, 1, 1
• C. 4, 3, 2
• D. 3, 2, 1

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Write down the unbalanced chemical equation: \(\mathrm{Fe} + \mathrm{O}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{Fe}_2\mathrm{O}_3\).
2. Assign variables to the coefficients of each compound: let \(a\) be the coefficient for Fe, \(b\) for \(\mathrm{O}_2\), and \(c\) for \(\mathrm{Fe}_2\mathrm{O}_3\).
3. Balance iron (Fe) atoms by setting up the equation: \(a = 2c\) because there are 2 Fe atoms in \(\mathrm{Fe}_2\mathrm{O}_3\).
4. Balance oxygen (O) atoms by setting up the equation: \$2b = 3c\( because there are 2 oxygen atoms in \)\mathrm{O}_2\( and 3 oxygen atoms in \)\mathrm{Fe}_2\mathrm{O}_3$.
5. Find the smallest whole number values for \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) that satisfy both equations, which will give the balanced coefficients for the reaction.